Tim Hortons and its parent company spent over 18 months urging Ottawa to allow a higher temporary foreign worker cap for some of its locations. As labour shortages hit the food service sector, the company argued that many restaurants could not find enough staff locally to keep operations stable.

Their efforts included letters, meetings with MPs from multiple parties, and discussions with federal officials responsible for employment and immigration.

What Drove The Lobbying Push

After the pandemic, many restaurants struggled to hire and retain workers. Tim Hortons said that reduced caps on temporary foreign workers hurt franchises that rely on steady staffing, especially in smaller towns where the local labour pool is limited.

In a 2024 letter, the company called for:

• Raising the cap from 20% to 30% for some roles
• Faster processing of work permit renewals
• Clearer options for long-term workers to move toward permanent residence

The goal, according to the company, was to keep stores open and service levels consistent.

Why The Higher Temporary Foreign Worker Cap Matters To Business

For franchise owners, the difference between a 10% and a 30% cap can decide whether they can open all shifts. When they cannot hire enough staff, they may have to:

• Shorten opening hours
• Close dining areas or drive-thru lanes
• Delay expansion plans
• Put extra pressure on existing staff

A higher temporary foreign worker cap would allow more hiring from abroad to fill these gaps when local recruitment falls short.

How The Government and Critics Responded

The federal government reduced the cap to 10% in 2024, citing the need to protect opportunities for Canadians and permanent residents. Officials also stressed the importance of program integrity and fair treatment of foreign workers.

Critics of heavy program use argue that some employers rely too much on lower-wage labour instead of improving pay and working conditions. They say that better wages, training, and scheduling could attract more local workers.

At the same time, industry groups insist that even with higher wages, some regions still face real shortages.

What This Means For Foreign Workers

For current and prospective foreign workers, the debate affects:

• How many positions in food service remain open to foreign hires
• How easily work permits can be renewed
• Whether new pathways to permanent residence may appear in the future

Workers already in Canada want clear rules so they can plan for their families, careers, and long-term status.

The long campaign for a higher temporary foreign worker cap shows how labour shortages, immigration policy, and politics intersect in Canada’s food service sector. The final balance between protecting local jobs and filling real gaps will shape both business operations and workers’ futures. If you are an employer seeking trusted guidance on work permits, or a worker hoping to turn Canadian experience into permanent residence, speak with ImmigCanada. Our team can map realistic options tailored to your situation.