Tim Hortons Urges Increased Limit on Temporary Foreign Workers

Post by : Mina Rahman

For more than a year, Tim Hortons, the prominent Canadian coffee chain, has been urging the federal government to increase the allowable number of temporary foreign workers (TFWs) that its franchisees can employ, citing ongoing labor shortages in the food service sector.

Documents and lobbying records reveal that Tim Hortons is seeking to raise the TFW cap from 20% to 30%, contending that the pandemic had significant negative effects on this industry, and that many restaurants continue to face challenges in filling open positions. During the peak of COVID-19 in 2021, Ottawa had temporarily allowed a higher cap, but this was reduced to 10% in 2024.

The lobbying strategy has involved multiple discussions with federal MPs from various political parties, along with interactions with officials from several government departments. The company has also called for expedited visa renewals for foreign staff, stressing the demand for “flexibility in hiring TFWs,” especially in rural areas where workforce shortages are more pronounced.

Tim Hortons representatives emphasized that over 95% of their workforce is sourced locally, but they highlighted a troubling increase in harassment towards employees who may not “appear Canadian.” Additionally, the company has invested in training initiatives and collaborations within the industry to address the approximately 70,000 unfilled positions across the restaurant landscape.

Although some MPs voiced support for modifying TFW restrictions, dissenting opinions argue that the program detracts job opportunities from young Canadians. Conservative immigration critic Michelle Rempel Garner stated that the TFW initiative deprives local youth of “first opportunities” and called for its termination. Likewise, NDP interim leader Don Davies suggested a “complete overhaul” of the program, advocating for companies to first enhance wages and working conditions to attract Canadian talent.

The federal government has yet to commit to any changes in policy, insisting that the TFW program is subject to periodic reviews to meet dynamic economic and labor market demands. Tim Hortons also clarified that, despite a 2024 letter regarding a permanent foreign worker program, it is no longer pursuing that avenue.

As labor shortages linger within Canada’s restaurant sector, the dialogue surrounding the necessity of temporary foreign workers in reinforcing businesses while safeguarding local employment chances continues to intensify.