Employment of temporary foreign workers has shifted toward low-paying industries
Canada’s immigration system is increasingly relying on temporary foreign workers (TFW) and international students to fill vacant jobs. Different industrial sectors depend on them to varying degrees because of unique levels of labour shortages and specific skill requirements.
Research published by Statistics Canada in December 2023 has provided updated statistics and insights on TFWs in Canada.
Over the period from 2010 to 2019, the employment of TFWs became increasingly concentrated in three sectors that mostly offer low-paying jobs: accommodation and food services; retail trade; and administrative and support, waste management and remediation services. Collectively, these three sectors accounted for 45 per cent of all TFWs in 2019, representing a significant rise from 33 percent in 2010.
However, this proportion decreased in 2020 because of the impact of business restrictions during the pandemic on accommodation and food services.
This shift is related to the significant increase in the number of TFWs holding work permits or study permits and the growing trend of study permit holders seeking employment in these sectors.
In addition to the above three sectors, a substantial number of TFWs were also employed in agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting; manufacturing; professional, scientific and technical services; and educational services.
Together, these industries accounted for approximately 31 per cent of the total TFW workforce in 2010. The share decreased to 28 per cent in 2020.
-Canadian Immigrant
