Impact of the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program on the labour market in Alberta
Abstract
This report collates findings from a series of public consultations conducted to review and receive feedback on the impacts of the TFW program on Alberta’s workforce, its communities and its people. The review was meant to identify the role of the TFW program in Alberta’s labour force planning, what role TFWs fill in Alberta’s labour market and how to ensure that the program is best serving the needs of Albertans.
Notes
Location
Alberta
Banff
Brooks
Calgary
Cold Lake
Edmonton
Fort McMurray
Grande Prairie
High River
Hinton
Lethbridge
Peace River
Red Deer
Key population
Temporary foreign workers
Key recommendations
Government of Alberta and the Federal government to collaborate and create a strategy to combat the worker shortage in Alberta and provide PR opportunities for low/semi-skilled workers
Increase regulation of working conditions for TFWs
Increase initiatives to help communities welcome newcomers through the TFW program and increase inclusivity in the province
Provide accurate information to TFWs in terms of working and living in Canada before arrival
Open LMOs for employers so that TFWs can work within multiple LMOs within one industry
Key findings
There is a large increase in numbers of temporary foreign workers (TFWs) in Alberta
As TFWs are temporary, communities experience large levels of changing workers, and workers moving, and communities indicate improper preparation for the increase in people, as well as for supports for diverse workers.
TFWs face many barriers, including increased isolation due to exclusion by the host community, difficulties accessing services, not receiving information from the government, language barriers, as well as unsafe working conditions.
Community organizations
Gaps identified
Integration timeline
Open access-Yes