Trudeau Plans Cuts To Foreign Workers Amid Population Surge

Justin Trudeau has announced plans to reduce the number of low-wage, temporary foreign workers and permanent residents allowed into Canada.

This decision has been made as Canada faces challenges with a rapidly growing population, which, according to some economists, has been placing pressure on housing and public services such as healthcare, as reported by Hindustan Times.

Trudeau Plans Cuts To Foreign Workers

The announcement was made by Trudeau on X, where he wrote, "The number of low-wage, temporary foreign workers in Canada is being reduced. The labour market has changed, and now is the time for businesses to invest in Canadian workers and youth."

According to federal statistics, immigration was responsible for approximately 97% of Canada's population growth last year. Trudeau's government has been criticized for increasing immigration without adequately supporting services or housing construction.

During a press conference, Trudeau stated that changes to the labour market have led to a reconsideration of the Temporary Foreign Worker Programme. "It's not fair to Canadians who are struggling to find a good job, and it's not fair to temporary foreign workers, some of whom are being mistreated and exploited," he said, according to BBC.

The Temporary Foreign Worker Programme, which allows foreign nationals to be hired for temporary jobs in the absence of qualified Canadians, has faced criticism, with the UN recently describing it as "a breeding ground for contemporary forms of slavery" in a report, as per media reports.

Additionally, Trudeau mentioned that reductions to permanent resident streams are being considered by his cabinet. As Trudeau has been trailing in polls, the high number of immigrants entering Canada has become a point of contention among Canadians.

Trudeau stated that various immigration streams are being reviewed to ensure that Canada remains supportive of immigration while being responsible in integrating newcomers and creating pathways to success for all. A broader plan on immigration levels is expected to be presented by the government this fall.