Maple News reports that Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has implemented new wage thresholds for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), directly impacting both employers and foreign workers. These updated wage requirements took effect on June 27, 2025, and apply to all new Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications submitted from that date onwards.
The updated thresholds vary by province or territory and represent an increase in the wages employers must offer to foreign workers to qualify under the program. For example, Ontario’s threshold rose from $34.07 to $36.00 per hour—a 5.66% increase—while British Columbia saw a 5.71% increase. In contrast, Nunavut’s threshold remained unchanged at $42.00.
These wage levels influence which stream of the TFWP a worker falls under: the high-wage or low-wage stream. If a job offers a wage at or above the new provincial threshold, the employer must apply through the high-wage stream. Jobs offering wages below the threshold must follow the low-wage stream process.
This change carries broader implications for employers across Canada, particularly those operating in sectors reliant on lower-wage labour. It affects not only the type of LMIA application required but also the ability of some employers to access the TFWP at all, depending on regional labour market conditions and program caps for low-wage positions.
By adjusting these wage thresholds, the federal government aims to align foreign worker compensation with prevailing provincial wages. This move supports fair treatment for foreign workers while encouraging Canadian employers to prioritize sustainable wages.
Maple News will continue to monitor developments in Canada’s labour market policies and their impact on the immigration and temporary foreign worker landscape.