In southwestern Ontario, temporary foreign workers will have an easier time getting a job
The government will reduce the amount of red tape for employers who protect the interests of temporary foreign workers.
Canada is experiencing a labor and skills shortage. This affects employers who have no one to fill their jobs. The government recognizes these problems and is working to help employers hire workers while reducing the administrative burden associated with hiring new employees and protecting temporary foreign workers from abuse of power by employers.
Today, during a visit to DC Farms, Irek Kusmierczyk — Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion — announced the launch of the Recognized Employer Pilot (REP), under the Temporary Foreign Worker (Temporary Foreign Worker) program. REP is a three-year initiative designed to help address labor shortages and reduce the administrative burden on employers who participate in the Temporary Foreign Worker program repeatedly and demonstrate that they are in perfect compliance with program requirements.
The Recognized Employer Program, which will receive CAD 29.3 million over three years, was first announced during the Budget 2022, under the working title of the "trusted employer model". Under the REP program, eligible employers will have access to a LMIA valid for 3 years, and will also benefit from a streamlined LMIA application process if they need to hire additional workers in the same occupation under the pilot.
This will help employers to better plan their HR policies and reduce the number of LMIAs they have to file over 3 years. Employers who receive recognition will also receive a corresponding mark from the Job Bank, which will allow potential employees to see the recognized status of the employer.
To participate in the Recognized Employer pilot program, employers must have at least 3 positive LMIAs in the past 5 years in the same occupation that is considered to be in shortage based on data from the Canadian Occupational Projection System. These employers will be subject to a more rigorous pre-assessment based on their history of participation in the program. This ensures that only employers with the best hiring practices will be REP participants.
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