Canada has introduced further restrictions on hiring foreign workers in six additional labour markets, affecting parts of the Maritimes, Ontario and the Prairie provinces. The measure, effective October 9, 2026, will remain in force until January 7, 2027. The six affected labour markets are Halifax, Nova Scotia; Fredericton, New Brunswick; Kingston, Ontario; St. Catharines–Niagara, Ontario; Regina, Saskatchewan; and Lethbridge, Alberta.
The changes target low-wage positions under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). In affected regions, employers generally cannot obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) for these jobs when the local unemployment rate reaches at least 6% and the offered wage falls below 120% of the provincial or territorial median wage.
The restriction is not applicable to all occupations. Certain jobs in agriculture, construction, food manufacturing, hospitals, and also nursing and residential care facilities may qualify for exemptions. For foreign nationals planning to work in Canada, this could reduce employment opportunities in some locations, particularly for jobs that depend on low-wage LMIA approval. Applicants should carefully review the latest rules and confirm whether their intended occupation and work location are affected before accepting a job offer. The policy does not amount to a nationwide suspension of Canadian work permits.
Read to know more: Ontario Expands Licensing Opportunities for Foreign-Trained Doctors in Canada
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