Maple News reports that the federal government has updated its quarterly list of Canadian regions where low-wage Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) will not be processed, in line with efforts to align foreign worker intake with local labor market needs.
As of April 4, 2025, 24 Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) across Canada have been flagged as ineligible to process low-wage LMIA applications. This decision applies to any region with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher and falls under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). The policy was initially introduced in August 2024 and is reviewed quarterly.
Under the TFWP’s low-wage stream, employers are required to obtain a positive LMIA to hire foreign workers. If an LMIA is not processed in a specific area, employers cannot hire or renew work permits for low-wage foreign workers in that location.
Key affected areas include major urban centers like Toronto (8.6%), Montréal (6.7%), Calgary (7.8%), and Vancouver (6.6%). Smaller cities such as Peterborough, Ontario (9.9%) and Windsor, Ontario (9.3%) are also on the list, reflecting localized economic challenges.
Maple News notes that this measure is designed to prioritize Canadian job seekers in regions experiencing relatively high joblessness. The LMIA restriction could also impact sectors like hospitality, caregiving, and agriculture, which often rely on low-wage international workers.
Here are some highlighted regions currently ineligible for low-wage LMIA processing:
– Toronto, ON – 8.6% unemployment
– Calgary, AB – 7.8%
– Edmonton, AB – 7.3%
– Montréal, QC – 6.7%
– Vancouver, BC – 6.6%
– Windsor, ON – 9.3%
Employers in these CMAs must either wait for conditions to improve or seek workers through programs not impacted by this restriction.
The government will revisit and update the list every three months. The next update is expected on July 11, 2025.
Maple News will continue to monitor developments on labor policies and their implications for foreign workers and Canadian businesses.