Published: September 3, 2025
Irvinder Ahluwalia
In a bold move that could reshape Canada’s approach to immigration and labor, Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre has pledged to permanently dismantle the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program if elected Prime Minister. Citing its impact on wage suppression and its role in limiting opportunities for Canadian workers, Poilievre’s announcement adds a new layer of economic debate ahead of the next federal election.
Poilievre: “Canadian Jobs for Canadian Workers”
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Poilievre described the TFW Program as a system that “suppresses wages and steals opportunities from Canadian workers.” His plan includes halting all new TFW permits and beginning a phased shutdown of the program nationwide.
“We must end our reliance on temporary labour and instead invest in our own workforce to build a stronger, more secure economy for future generations,” said Poilievre.
The only exception, according to Poilievre, would be a dedicated agricultural stream to fill critical roles in farming and food production—sectors that consistently struggle to find local labor.
A Transition Period for Regions with Low Unemployment
Poilievre’s plan includes a transition period of up to five years in regions where unemployment is exceptionally low. However, even during this phase, no new permits would be approved under the current TFW framework.
This represents a more aggressive stance than current Liberal government policies, which already restrict TFW hiring in regions with unemployment rates above 6%, and limit low-wage foreign workers to 10% of an employer’s workforce.
Critics: TFW Program Hurts Wages and Training Investment
The federal government had planned to admit 82,000 temporary foreign workers in 2024, raising concerns among economists and labor advocates. Critics argue that businesses have used the program as a shortcut to avoid investing in skills training for Canadian workers, thereby contributing to wage stagnation across key industries.
Poilievre supports this view, pointing to data showing record-low youth unemployment (excluding pandemic years) as proof that Canadians are ready and able to fill roles—if given access and proper training.
Immigration Policy Shift: Federal Plans Already Aim to Reduce TFW Numbers
The Trudeau government has also signaled a shift in immigration strategy, aiming to reduce Canada’s temporary resident population—including both TFWs and international students.
The current Immigration Levels Plan targets a drop in the temporary resident share from 6.5% of the national population to below 5% by 2026. At the same time, international student permits will be cut from 485,000 in 2024 to 437,000 in 2025 to ease pressure on housing and public infrastructure.
Conservatives vs. Liberals: A Defining Economic Divide
Poilievre’s vow to eliminate the Temporary Foreign Worker Program outright sets up a sharp contrast with the Liberal government’s approach of gradual reform.
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Liberals: Seek to manage temporary labor through policy tightening and long-term reduction.
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Conservatives: Propose a hard stop, prioritizing Canadian workers over foreign labor solutions.
This divergence will likely become a major election issue as Canadians prepare to choose between two competing visions for the nation’s economy, workforce, and immigration future.
Final Thoughts
As Canada grapples with labor shortages, wage concerns, and an evolving immigration landscape, Pierre Poilievre’s stance on the TFW Program is poised to ignite intense national debate. Whether his Canadian-first jobs strategy will resonate with voters remains to be seen—but it has undeniably thrust the Temporary Foreign Worker Program into the spotlight ahead of the next federal election.
