Government reports a decline in temporary worker applications as fines increase 

October 6,2025

RED FM News Desk

Ottawa says applications for temporary foreign workers have fallen by half since September 2024, when new regulations made it more difficult to obtain a work permit. 

Employment and Social Development Canada reports collecting nearly $4.9 million in fines for violations, including the largest ever issued under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Bolero Shellfish Processing Inc. of New Brunswick was fined $1 million and banned from the program for 10 years on September 17. 

The government said the company was penalized for breaking hiring laws, underpaying workers, and failing to ensure a workplace free from physical, sexual, financial, or psychological abuse. 

Under the revised rules introduced last September, Ottawa will reject applications to hire temporary foreign workers in regions where unemployment exceeds six per cent. 

Rising national youth unemployment has added political pressure on the program, which the government notes makes up only about one per cent of Canada’s total workforce.