Board of Trade Urges Province's Participation in Expanded Temporary Foreign Worker Program Measures

March 23, 2026
Honourable Tony Wakeham,
Premier, Newfoundland and Labrador
Honourable Lin Paddock
Minister, Jobs, Growth and Rural Development

RE: Participation in the Expanded Temporary Foreign Worker Program Measures

Dear Premier Wakeham and Minister Paddock,

On behalf of the Board of Trade, representing over 800 businesses across all sectors and regions of Newfoundland and Labrador, I am writing to request your government confirm participation in targeted measures introduced to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, allowing rural employers to retain their workforce and support local communities.

Newfoundland and Labrador is facing a significant workforce crisis, which will intensify as our population continues to age. Rural regions are particularly vulnerable, where access to a stable workforce is essential to sustaining local economies. For many communities, the availability of workers is the determining factor between economic decline and long-term viability.

Recently, the Government of Canada announced targeted changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. These changes would allow rural employers to maintain their current number of low-wage temporary foreign workers and temporarily increase the allowable share from 10% to 15% of their workforce in eligible regions.

We commend the federal government for taking this important and responsive step. However, access to these measures requires provinces and territories to formally opt in. Once a request is made, the expanded measures can be implemented within two weeks and will remain in effect for one year.

We strongly encourage your government to promptly signal its participation in this program. Timely action will provide employers across Newfoundland and Labrador with the certainty they need to retain workers, sustain operations, and plan for growth. Delays in accessing these measures risk exacerbating workforce shortages, constraining business activity, and placing additional strain on rural communities.

We would welcome the opportunity to discuss this matter further and support your government in advancing solutions that strengthen our workforce and economy.

Thank you for your consideration on this important matter.

Sincerely,
AnnMarie Boudreau, CEO, Board of Trade