A Government of Canada press conference announcing downward adjustments in the nation’s numbers of temporary foreign migrant workers certainly got Foreign Agricultural
Resource Management Services (F.A.R.M.S.) president Ken Forth’s attention.
Quickly, he fired off emails to three top bureaucrats. “I got a phone call back in less than five minutes,” said Forth, conversation essentially assuring him cuts were not related to agricultural programs. “I think we’re OK for now,” he said. “But only for now.”
An Employment and Social Development news release dated March 21, 2024 indicated Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, had announced limited-time Temporary Foreign Workforce Solutions Road Map (WSRM) measures will not be renewed and additionally, end earlier than planned.
As of May 1, 2024, employers identified in the 2022 WSRM will have a reduction from 30 per cent to 20 per cent of their total workforce which can come in through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program under the low wage stream, with an exception for construction and health care sectors.
Employers will also be required to explore every option before applying for a New Labour Market Assessment (valid now for six rather than 12 months), including recruiting asylum seekers with valid Canadian work permits. The intent, says the release, is to ensure the program is used only in cases where no Canadian workers can fill necessary roles.
“Today, we announced our intention to reduce Canada’s reliance on temporary foreign workers and encourage employers to find the talent they need right here, at home,” said Minister Boissonnault. “The time-limited measures we introduced in 2022 were necessary as our labour market was facing unprecedented conditions – but now, as times change, we must ensure our Temporary Foreign Worker Program reflects our current needs.”
The press release indicated job vacancies were at a record high of 983,600 in the second quarter of 2022, however fell to 678,500 in the fourth quarter of 2023.
“Our labour market needs are tightening, so should our policies,” added The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, via the release.
“Today’s announcement prioritizes our country’s needs to have enough construction workers to build houses, early childhood educators to teach our kids, and health-care workers to treat patients. As we gradually reduce our reliance on temporary foreign workers, we will continue to help employers fill job vacancies while supporting Canadian workers.”
Announced in 2022, the WSRM applied to the following seven sectors: food manufacturing, wood product manufacturing, furniture and related product manufacturing, accommodation and food services, construction, hospitals, and nursing and residential care facilities.
To reiterate, Forth was assured the cuts are not for agriculture. It would ‘be nice’ he continued if that was explicitly defined.
“They don’t, but our indication is it has nothing to do with us.”
The F.A.R.M.S. president’s long-term dealings with bureaucrats gives him confidence they are ‘pretty straight up’, although may be limited in how much they are able to communicate.
The March 21 press release did have two specific references to agriculture, firstly Budget 2022’s commitment to developing a new foreign labour program ensuring access to a stable and reliable labour supply, while strengthening worker protections.
It also referenced a $49.5-million Budget 2021 expenditure implementing a new Migrant Worker Support Program intended to better support worker needs.
Agriculture does employ many Canadians as well Forth continued, however there is an ongoing need for an influx of seasonal employees.
“We need an army of people to hand-harvest crops - that’s the way it works.”
Forth says roughly 60,000 of Canada’s 240,000 temporary foreign workers are employed in agriculture and are integral to its successful operation.
“They are essential, it’s over if they’re not here.”