The Temporary Foreign Worker Program In Canada: Low-Skilled Workers As An Extreme Form Of Flexible Labour

The Canadian federal government is promoting temporary foreign migration for economic reasons and specifically to promote economic growth. In Budget 2007, the federal government characterized the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) as its "Principal tool to help employers meet immediate skill requirements when qualified Canadian workers cannot be found." It also recognized the regional nature of the program; "In the Alberta oil sands and the construction sector in British Columbia, the program has become increasingly important for businesses in their efforts to remain competitive in Canada's booming economy." The federal government also promised improvements to the program that would make it easier for employers to access temporary migrant workers but that would also "Not result in reduced employment opportunities for Canadians."