Restaurants Canada says supply of Temporary Foreign Works represents only a small but critical percentage of the total workforce

Toronto, Sept. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In response to the Leader of the Official Opposition’s calls today to scrap the Temporary Foreign Worker program, Restaurants Canada says without enough staff for key roles, restaurants in rural and remote communities risk reduced hours, closures, and lost local jobs.

Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs), while making up only 3% of the foodservice workforce, play a vital role in sustaining operations in underserved areas. These workers: predominantly skilled chefs and cooks are often the cornerstone of a restaurant’s ability to operate and maintain operations. The realities of the aging labour market in many of these areas, means chefs and cooks are simply not available.

Temporary Foreign Workers are not a low-cost option for labour, but a last resort for restaurants in many areas. The costs of bringing in TFWs can be as high as $8,600 per worker. The preference has always been to hire locals.  

Forty percent of the restaurant industry’s workforce is currently youth, and the industry has long been the #1 source of first-time jobs for youth for decades.

“Our ask is simple,” said Kelly Higginson, President and CEO of Restaurants Canada. “Let’s work together to ensure rural and remote communities have a supply of key labour positions to protect the small businesses, support communities, and ensures Canadians can continue to enjoy the food, hospitality, and culture our restaurants bring to the table. Restaurants are looking for permanent solutions, not temporary ones.” 

About Restaurants Canada
Restaurants Canada is a national, not-for-profit association advancing Canada’s diverse and dynamic foodservice industry. Restaurants are a $120 billion industry employing nearly 1.2 million Canadians and the number one source of first-time jobs in Canada. Visit restaurantscanada.org for more information.

Kshitija Baindur
Restaurants Canada
416-887-0343
kbaindur@restaurantscanada.org

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