Report suggests TFWP could be distorting labour market needs

A new study from the University of Calgary suggests Canada's temporary foreign worker program (TFWP) "could be distorting" the natural supply and demand of the nation's labour market. The study's lead author says improving the balance in the labour marketplace does not require an increase in the labour supply. He suggests as part of the solution an improved immigration policy, one that could adjust intake levels with labour market needs and reduce the number of temporary foreign workers brought in. The report concedes there are labour shortages in specific industries and certain regions, but argues that Canadian youth need to be encouraged to pursue an education and careers in fields where jobs are available. The lead author says this could be done through government funding into educational institutions with programs that match labour market needs and tuition costs that charge more for study in a field in which there is already an excess of labour. uCalgary School of Public Policy News | Canadian Press | Report