US EditionRestaurants Canada calls on provinces to urgently opt-in to temporary TFW cap increase for rural regions
The group says 70,000 foodservice jobs are vacant and rural restaurants need workers now as provinces decide whether to opt in.
- On Monday, Restaurants Canada urged provincial governments to opt into a temporary cap increase for Temporary Foreign Workers in rural regions, warning that rural restaurants face severe labour shortages affecting the $125 billion foodservice industry.
- The federal government announced the TFW cap increase on March 13, 2026, aiming to address critical labour gaps in rural regions, but the program remains unavailable unless provinces formally request the change.
- TFWs represent just 3% of the foodservice workforce and serve as a last resort for employers, who must prove local candidates are unavailable before filling skilled positions like chefs or overnight shifts.
- Most employers have not heard from provincial authorities since April 1, when the program became available, leaving rural restaurants at risk of dropping shifts, cutting hours, or closing entirely.
- Kelly Higginson, President and CEO of Restaurants Canada, stated "restaurants need workers now," emphasizing that in rural communities these establishments often serve as the primary source of local youth employment.
12 Articles
12 Articles
The Toronto Star
Restaurants Canada calls on provinces to urgently opt-in to temporary TFW cap increase for rural regions
Toronto, April 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rural restaurants are waiting to hear from provincial governments on whether they will receive a temporary reprieve for their labour force challenges through
Restaurants Canada urges provinces to opt into rural TFW cap increase
Restaurants Canada has urged the provincial governments to opt into a Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) cap increase for rural regions.The post Restaurants Canada urges provinces to opt into rural TFW cap increase appeared first on Verdict Food Service.
Bakers Journal
Canadian Pizza MagazineRestaurants Canada Urges Provinces To Opt In To Temporary TFW Cap Increase For Rural Regions
Restaurants Canada is calling on provincial governments to support rural restaurants and communities by opting in to the temporary increase to the Temporary Foreign Worker cap announced by the federal government in March. On March 13, the federal government announced it would temporarily increase the cap on TFWs in rural regions experiencing severe labour shortages, but only if the province officially requests it, the organization said in a news…
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