New Update: Wage Increase for Temporary Foreign Workers in Canada.
We would like to share important information regarding the annual update of the median hourly wage within the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Every year, the median hourly wages are adjusted for each province and territory, thus influencing the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process.
What’s the increase in Quebec for high wages?
In this latest update, we have observed a significant increase in the median hourly wages. In the province of Quebec, the median wage has increased from $26 to $27.47. This increase reflects the current trends in the labor market and aims to ensure fair and competitive remuneration for temporary foreign workers in Quebec.
These adjustments are crucial for employers who are considering hiring temporary foreign workers. Indeed, they must submit their LMIA application in the appropriate stream, which is determined by the prevailing provincial or territorial median wage.
If you have submitted your LMIA application since January 1, 2024, you will need to review and apply the new wage at the start of your TFW’s employment period. Employers who do not make the necessary wage adjustments may face penalties, including financial sanctions, and may also be barred from using the program.
Different obligations for employers.
It is important to emphasize that the TFWP includes different requirements and obligations for employers, such as recruitment efforts, working conditions, the duration of employment, and worker protection. These measures aim to ensure fair treatment and protect the rights of temporary foreign workers.
Furthermore, these requirements vary depending on the stream (high or low wage) under which the LMIA application is submitted. For example, for the low-wage stream, the employer must cover the round-trip transportation costs of the TFW to their workplace and back to their country of residence. Provide suitable and safe housing for the TFW, where the rent should not cost more than 30% of their pre-tax income. As well as private health insurance covering urgent medical care not covered by territorial or provincial insurance, for the entire duration of the worker’s contract.
The annual update of the median hourly wage came into effect on April 2, 2024, and employers are encouraged to consult the TFWP website for the latest information. We also invite our readers to share this news in their respective networks, to ensure effective dissemination of this important information.
For any further questions regarding the TFWP, we invite you to consult the Employment and Social Development Canada website or contact the Employer Contact Centre.
The telephone number of the Employer Service Centre: 1-800-367-5693
