Restaurants Canada Defends Temporary Foreign Worker Program

As the national, not-for-profit association advancing Canada's foodservice industry, Restaurants Canada is advocating for the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program, emphasizing its crucial role in sustaining operations in rural and remote communities. Despite the program's small demographic footprint, making up only 3% of the foodservice workforce, Temporary Foreign Workers predominantly skilled chefs and cooks play a vital role in maintaining restaurant operations. The costs of bringing in TFWs can be as high as $8,600 per worker, with the preference being to hire locals whenever possible. Restaurants Canada is urging lawmakers to work together to ensure rural and remote communities have a sufficient supply of key labour positions to protect small businesses, support communities, and preserve Canada's diverse foodservice industry.

Key Takeaways:

• Temporary Foreign Workers make up only 3% of the foodservice workforce in Canada, yet play a vital role in sustaining operations in rural and remote communities.
• These workers predominantly skilled chefs and cooks are often the cornerstone of a restaurant's ability to operate and maintain operations, particularly in underserved areas where local labour is scarce.
• The costs of bringing in Temporary Foreign Workers can be as high as $8,600 per worker, with the industry preferring to hire local workers when possible.
• The restaurant industry has long been the #1 source of first-time jobs for youth in Canada, with 40% of the industry's workforce currently comprising youth.
• Kelly Higginson, President and CEO of Restaurants Canada, emphasized the need for permanent solutions to address labour shortages in rural and remote communities.
• Restaurants Canada is advocating for the Temporary Foreign Worker program as a last resort for labour, citing its importance in maintaining the country's foodservice industry.

Statistics:

• 3% of the foodservice workforce in Canada is made up of Temporary Foreign Workers.
• The costs of bringing in Temporary Foreign Workers can be as high as $8,600 per worker.
• 40% of the restaurant industry's workforce is currently comprised of youth.
• The restaurant industry is the #1 source of first-time jobs for youth in Canada, employing nearly 1.2 million Canadians and accounting for $124 billion in annual revenue.

Sources:

• Restaurants Canada
• Restaurants Canada is a national, not-for-profit association advancing Canada's diverse and dynamic foodservice industry.