The Temporary Foreign Worker program’s median hourly income in 2023 will rise for all provinces and territories. However, Nunavut will be an exception to it.
Canadian employers who are on the lookout to hire foreign nationals access the hourly income of these provinces or territories. This is primarily to make them aware of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program requirements.
Additionally, an employee’s work position and the income offered will decide whether the employer will need to undergo the LMIA procedure. The Labour Market Impact Assessment will concern the high or low-wage positions. Both positions will have a separate set of requirements.
Workers who get paid in terms of the provincial or territorial median hourly income fall under the low-wage category. Conversely, those who get paid above the median hourly wage fall under the higher wage category.
Temporary Foreign Worker program’s median hourly income 2023 for provinces and territories
| Province or Territory | Median hourly income before May 31, 2023 | Median hourly income onwards May 31, 2023 |
| Alberta | $28.85 | $28.85 |
| British Columbia | $26.44 | $27.44 |
| Manitoba | $23.00 | $23.94 |
| New Brunswick | $21.79 | $23.00 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $24.29 | $25.00 |
| Northwest Territories | $37.30 | $38.00 |
| Nova Scotia | $22.00 | $22.97 |
| Nunavut | $36.00 | $35.90 |
| Ontario | $26.06 | $27.00 |
| Prince Edward Island | $21.63 | $22.50 |
| Quebec | $25.00 | $26.00 |
| Saskatchewan | $25.96 | $26.22 |
| Yukon | $32.00 | $35.00 |
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Employers in Canada have the authority to engage foreign workers under the TFWP to fill open positions. Employers wishing to fill positions under the TFWP must complete the LMIA, a labor market test administered by the Canadian government. The LMIA guarantees that if the company recruits a foreign worker, there will be a favorable or indifferent effect on the Canadian labor market.
Before a foreign national can start working for a Canadian employer through the TFWP, an LMIA, and a temporary work permit are necessary.
If you want to hire a high-paying employee, you must submit transition plans with the LMIA that demonstrate how you intend to gradually reduce your reliance on foreign labor. By doing this, it is ensured that qualified Canadians are given preference for open positions.
You do not have to submit a transition plan with the LMIA to hire a low-wage worker. Instead, in order to limit access to the TFWP, the Canadian government imposes a limit on the number of low-wage workers that a company may hire.
Employers who offer wages below the provincial/territorial median must ensure the following:
- Pay for the temporary foreign worker’s round-trip transportation;
- Ensuring access to affordable housing;
- Until employees are qualified for provincial health care, pay for private health insurance;
- The provincial or territorial employment security board should receive a temporary foreign worker’s registration; and
- A contract between the Canadian employer and the employee.
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) will assess the application afterward. Also, officials will need to ensure that no competent Canadians are being passed over in favor of the foreign worker.
