Freeze on Temporary Foreign Worker Program May End Soon

Last Updated on January 24, 2019

The Peace Region’s MP says his government’s suspension of temporary foreign workers in the fast food industry could be lifted by early June.  On May 22, Prince George-Peace River MP Bob Zimmer said, “There isn’t any hard date. We’re looking at a solution within the next month.”

The moratorium on foreign workers was enforced in late April in response to widespread abuse of the program within the fast-food industry. Ever since its introduction however, businesses and the chambers of commerce across Northern Canada have requested for its reversal.

Current research indicates the federal government might reform the program by requiring employers to pay temporary foreign workers more than the current minimum wage. However, some fast food operators are opposed to higher wages, saying it would put a strain on already low profit margins.

Source: Alaska Highway News