Mark Carney’s Immigration and Temporary Foreign Worker Program Update

In early September 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered remarks at a Liberal caucus meeting in Edmonton, where he addressed mounting concerns surrounding Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Carney acknowledged that the program has grown rapidly in recent years and emphasised that it must evolve into a more focused and targeted tool. He announced that the government’s goal is to reduce the proportion of non-permanent residents in Canada from approximately seven percent of the population to five percent by 2027.

Carney confirmed that significant adjustments to the TFWP are already underway. On September 5, 2025, the federal government introduced a target of approximately 82,000 net new admissions for the program in 2025. Other changes include a moratorium on low-wage Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications in regions with unemployment rates of six percent or higher, increases in wage thresholds for high-wage streams, and stricter limits on the proportion of temporary foreign workers in an employer’s workforce. Carney also noted that spousal open work permits for TFWP holders will be restricted to specific in-demand occupations, depending on the permit holder’s remaining time in Canada.

The Proposed and Implemented Changes

Among the changes recently implemented or proposed are:

• Setting a target of about 82,000 net new admissions under the TFWP for 2025.

• Instituting a moratorium on low-wage LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) applications in regions where unemployment is 6% or higher.

• Raising wage thresholds for high-wage streams.

• Lowering caps on the proportion of an employer’s workforce can be temporary foreign workers.

• Restricting access to open spousal work permits for certain TFWP holders, based on in-demand occupation, and requiring the remaining permit duration.

The Prime Minister’s remarks drew immediate reactions across the political spectrum. On September 6, 2025, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre reiterated his party’s position that the TFWP should be scrapped entirely. He argued that the program suppresses wages, reduces opportunities for Canadian youth, and exacerbates the housing crisis. Around the same time, British Columbia Premier David Eby also expressed support for major reforms, saying that the program contributes to affordability issues in his province and undermines employment opportunities for young Canadians.

Commentary on the Proposed Changes

Industry stakeholders, particularly in construction, responded with mixed views. On September 7, 2025, representatives from Canada’s construction sector acknowledged that the program does relieve short-term labour shortages. However, they warned that it is not sustainable without long-term solutions, since employers are reluctant to invest in training temporary workers who have no clear pathway to permanent residency.

Advocates for migrant workers also raised concerns in the days following Carney’s announcement. Several advocacy groups highlighted that temporary foreign workers remain vulnerable to exploitation because of their reliance on closed permits and fear of employer retaliation. They emphasised that while incremental reforms are welcome, they do not address the fundamental issues of fair treatment, transparency, or access to permanent residency.

Public sentiment appears divided. A nationwide Abacus Data poll released in early September 2025 revealed that44% of Canadians support phasing out the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, while 30% oppose such a move, and 18% remain undecided. Support for reform or elimination of the program is highest among younger Canadians, many of whom feel that the program reduces entry-level job opportunities.

Why These Changes Matter

For foreign nationals, the evolving policies mean stricter LMIA requirements and closer scrutiny of applications, particularly in lower-wage sectors and in regions with higher unemployment rates. Wage standards are increasing, spousal open work permits will be harder to obtain, and those with pending or future applications should prepare for potential delays or added conditions. Employers, meanwhile, will need to meet higher compliance standards and demonstrate that they have genuinely tried to hire Canadian workers before turning to the TFWP.

The driving force behind these reforms is a combination of pressures on housing, public infrastructure, and the labour market. Many Canadians view the program as contributing to higher housing demand, while others argue it creates unfair competition for domestic workers. Carney’s government appears intent on rebalancing the system to ensure that temporary programs do not undermine the broader immigration framework or the Canadian economy.

✅ How Ayodele Law Can Help

At Ayodele Law Professional Corporation, we closely monitor developments in immigration policy so our clients can adapt quickly to changes. Whether you are a worker hoping to secure a pathway to Canada or an employer navigating new compliance standards, our team can provide tailored legal advice. We assist with LMIA applications, work permit strategies, compliance reviews, and representation in cases of refusal or policy complications.

If you are affected by the changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or other aspects of Canadian immigration law, do not wait until it is too late. Contact Ayodele Law today to book a consultation and ensure you are taking the right steps under the new policy landscape.

📞Book a consultation today to give your application the best possible chance of success