Have Work Permits Under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program Surpassed Targets as Poilievre Claims?
Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) has sparked fresh debate after work permits issued in the first half of 2025 surpassed government-set targets. According to recent data, approximately 105,000 work permits were granted under the TFWP by mid-2025, exceeding the annual target of 82,000. This represents a 20% overshoot with six months still remaining in the year.
The TFWP, designed to address labor shortages in key sectors, has become a focal point for political criticism. Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre has argued that the Liberal government has failed to manage immigration levels effectively. His claims gained traction as the program’s mid-year totals exceeded projections.
The issue extends beyond the TFWP. The International Mobility Program (IMP), which issues work permits without labor market tests, also surpassed its 2025 cap. By mid-year, the IMP had granted over 302,000 permits, exceeding the annual goal of 285,750.
These numbers highlight growing tensions over Canada’s immigration policy. In March 2024, the federal government announced plans to reduce temporary residents to 5% of the population within three years. However, current trends suggest this goal may be challenging to achieve.
The debate has also drawn attention to broader labor market concerns. With Canadian youth employment at its lowest since 1998, critics argue that the influx of temporary foreign workers could exacerbate domestic unemployment challenges.
Public opinion on the issue remains divided. A recent Abacus Data poll found that 44% of Canadians support eliminating the TFWP, with stronger support among young Canadians and in the Prairie provinces. However, only 34% of Quebec residents back the idea.
Despite the controversy, temporary foreign workers play a significant role in Canada’s economic landscape. Many temporary residents transition to permanent residency, with over 100,000 former temporary workers becoming permanent residents in the first half of 2025. These individuals are often valued for their work experience and integration into the Canadian labor market.
The situation underscores a deeper policy challenge. As Canada navigates labor shortages, economic growth, and public opinion, the question of how to balance temporary foreign worker programs with long-term immigration goals remains unresolved.
Work Permits Under TFWP and IMP Continue to Exceed Government Targets
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP) have both exceeded their 2025 permit issuance targets, according to recent data. By the midpoint of 2025, the TFWP had issued approximately **105,000 work permits**, surpassing the annual target of **82,000**. This represents a significant overshoot of more than 20% with six months still remaining in the year.
The IMP, which operates separately from the TFWP and does not require labor market tests, has also exceeded its government-set cap. In the first half of 2025, the IMP issued over **302,000 work permits**, surpassing the annual goal of **285,750**. This trend reflects a decade-long growth in Canada’s temporary foreign worker population, which reached a record high in 2025.
Canada’s non-permanent resident population has grown significantly in recent years, with approximately **3 million non-permanent residents** in the country in 2024. Roughly half of these individuals are estimated to be active participants in the labor market, contributing to key sectors facing labor shortages.
The federal government’s plan to reduce temporary residents to **5% of the total population** within three years, announced in March 2024, aims to address infrastructure and housing strain. However, current approval trends suggest that this target may be challenging to achieve, as both the TFWP and IMP continue to exceed their permit issuance goals.
Public opinion on the issue remains divided. A recent Abacus Data poll found that **44% of Canadians support eliminating the TFWP**, with stronger support among young Canadians and in the Prairie provinces. However, only **34% of Quebec residents** back the idea, highlighting regional divides in opinion on the program.
Despite the controversy, temporary foreign workers play a significant role in Canada’s economic landscape. Many temporary residents transition to permanent residency, with over **100,000 former temporary workers** becoming permanent residents in the first half of 2025. These individuals are often valued for their Canadian work experience and integration into the labor market.
The situation underscores a deeper policy challenge. As Canada navigates labor shortages, economic growth, and public opinion, the question of how to balance temporary foreign worker programs with long-term immigration goals remains unresolved.
Conclusion
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP) have both exceeded their 2025 permit issuance targets, raising important questions about Canada’s immigration policy and labor market strategy. With over 105,000 TFWP permits and 302,000 IMP permits issued by mid-2025, the programs reflect growing tensions between addressing labor shortages and managing public concerns over immigration levels. While temporary foreign workers play a critical role in Canada’s economy, the debate over their impact on domestic employment and long-term immigration goals continues to divide opinion. As the federal government strives to balance economic needs with population growth, the challenge of aligning temporary worker programs with national priorities remains unresolved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why have work permits under the TFWP and IMP surpassed their targets in 2025?
Work permits under the TFWP and IMP have surpassed their targets due to persistent labor shortages in key sectors and increased demand for temporary workers to support economic growth.
What is the current state of Canada’s non-permanent resident population?
Canada’s non-permanent resident population has grown significantly, reaching approximately 3 million in 2024. Roughly half of these individuals are active in the labor market, addressing shortages in critical industries.
How does public opinion vary on the TFWP across Canada?
Public opinion on the TFWP is divided. A recent poll found that 44% of Canadians support eliminating the program, with stronger support among young Canadians and in the Prairie provinces, while only 34% of Quebec residents back the idea.
What is the federal government’s plan for managing temporary residents?
The federal government aims to reduce temporary residents to 5% of the total population within three years, announced in March 2024, to address infrastructure and housing strain.
How many temporary foreign workers transition to permanent residency in Canada?
Over 100,000 former temporary workers transitioned to permanent residency in the first half of 2025, highlighting their integration into the Canadian labor market and economy.
