According to Maple News, the number of new arrivals under Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) dropped to its lowest level in two years this October. Data released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) shows that only 3,215 individuals arrived through the TFWP in October 2025—the smallest monthly figure recorded since IRCC began publishing this set of data in December 2023.
This marked decline follows a sustained tightening of TFWP policies by the federal government. Measures include a moratorium on processing low-wage Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications, stricter wage thresholds for eligibility, and an overall scaling back of TFWP quotas. These actions collectively aim to address concerns about the program’s impact on Canada’s domestic labour market and housing availability.
Although there was a short-lived rise in arrivals earlier in 2025—largely driven by seasonal employment needs—that uptick has since reversed. The peak occurred in May 2024, but numbers have steadily declined each month thereafter, signaling a structural shift rather than a temporary lull.
The TFWP has been under increasing scrutiny, particularly over claims it plays a role in wage suppression and contributes to pressure on housing and social infrastructure. Critics argue that in an era of inflated cost of living and economic uncertainty, prioritizing the domestic workforce should take precedence.
Political opposition has also become more vocal. In September 2025, Canada’s Conservative Party called for the complete termination of the program, blaming it for rising youth unemployment and economic stagnation in certain sectors.
The decision to curtail the TFWP is part of a larger federal approach aimed at striking a balance between bolstering Canada’s workforce and maintaining affordability and sustainability for residents. While the long-term impact remains to be seen, this policy pivot marks a definitive shift in how Canada addresses its labour shortages and immigration priorities.
Maple News will continue to track how these trends influence employer hiring practices and Canada’s broader immigration strategy.