Tim Hortons, a leading Canadian coffee chain, has been advocating for an increase in the cap on temporary foreign workers that its franchisees can hire from the Canadian government for over a year. This push came amidst a challenging period for the food service industry, exacerbated by the ongoing pandemic and resulting labor shortages.
In a letter addressed to Immigration Minister Marc Miller in May 2024, the company requested an increase in the cap on temporary foreign workers from 20% to 30%. This request was made following a temporary allowance of a higher cap during the peak of the COVID-19 crisis in 2021.
Despite a subsequent reduction in the cap to 10% later in 2024, Tim Hortons continued its efforts to lobby for more temporary foreign workers. The company engaged in multiple lobbying meetings with various Members of Parliament from different political parties, including the governing Liberals.
One of the key requests made by Tim Hortons was for faster visa renewals for its foreign workers. The company emphasized the importance of flexibility in hiring temporary foreign workers, particularly in rural and smaller communities facing labor shortages.
While Tim Hortons had initially expressed interest in a permanent foreign worker program, a spokesperson clarified that the company is no longer pursuing this option. Instead, Tim Hortons is collaborating with industry organizations to address labor shortages and invest in training programs to fill vacant positions within the sector.
The lobbying efforts of Tim Hortons have sparked debates among political parties, with differing opinions on the impact of the temporary foreign worker program on job opportunities for Canadians. Conservatives have called for the abolition of the program, citing concerns about displacing entry-level job opportunities for Canadian youth. Conversely, the NDP has advocated for a comprehensive overhaul of the program, suggesting that companies should focus on improving wages and working conditions to attract local workers.