Trudeau Revises Canada’s Foreign Worker Program Amid Public Criticism.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is revising the country’s foreign worker program, one of the world’s most progressive immigration policies, in response to mounting public criticism.
With the election next year and his party trailing in the polls, Trudeau announced that his cabinet is considering cuts to some permanent resident streams.
“We are reviewing various streams to ensure that Canada remains supportive of immigration while being responsible in integrating newcomers and providing pathways to success,” Trudeau said last week.
This decision follows widespread concerns among Canadians about the high number of immigrants entering the country. Trudeau’s government is reassessing its approach to address these concerns.
Trudeau has been a strong advocate for welcoming refugees, notably greeting Syrian refugees at Toronto’s airport in 2015 with winter jackets and a heartfelt “You are home.” His government has also welcomed refugees from Ukraine, demonstrating Canada’s commitment to offering refuge to those in need.
The ‘Temporary Foreign Worker Program’ was created to fill labor shortages by allowing non-Canadian workers to enter the country temporarily. However, the program has expanded significantly in recent years and has faced criticism. Critics argue that it depresses wages and exposes workers to potential abuse due to employer-specific permits. While business groups support increased immigration to address labor shortages, economists question the necessity of government intervention in this area.