Canada Measures to Support Rural Employers Under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program

Key Point  

• Canada announced temporary measures allowing eligible rural employers to maintain and modestly increase their use of low‑wage temporary foreign workers from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 to help address persistent labor shortages.

Low-Wage Temporary Foreign Worker

On 13 March 2026, Canada announced new temporary measures to help rural employers address persistent labor shortages through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).  

The initiative aims to strengthen rural economies while ensuring Canadians remain first in line for available jobs. 

Expanded Access to Low‑Wage Temporary Foreign Workers 

Canada will permit eligible rural employers in participating provinces and territories to take these actions from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027.

• Maintain their current number of low‑wage temporary foreign workers, and 
• Increase the allowable proportion of low‑wage TFWs from 10% to 15% of their workforce. 

These measures are intended to help rural communities facing acute labor shortages in essential sectors. 

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