This communiqué provides an update on the measures announced in March 2026 to support rural employers in addressing workforce challenges while maintaining strong safeguards to ensure Canadians and permanent residents continue to be prioritized for available jobs.
As part of the implementation of these measures, provinces and territories were invited to opt-in. We are writing to inform you that The Government of Ontario has confirmed it will not participate in these rural measures.
As a result, employers in Ontario, including those in rural regions, will not be eligible for measures described below.
Additional information will be shared as other provinces and territories confirm their participation decisions. A summary of provincial and territorial participation decisions announced to-date is available here.
Summary of Measures to Support Rural Employers
In participating provinces and territories, the Government of Canada will allow eligible rural employers to:
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Retain their current proportion of low-wage positions filled by temporary foreign workers if above the 10% cap; and/or
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Access a 15% cap—instead of the current 10% cap—on the proportion of temporary foreign workers employed in low-wage positions.
To confirm if your location is in a rural area that qualifies for the measure, please enter your full postal code at the following website: Census of Population. If no Census Metropolitan Area appears, then your work location is considered eligible for the rural measure.
For more information on how the measures apply, please consult the Temporary measures to support rural employers webpage.
To learn more about the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, visit Canada.ca or reach out to the Employer Contact Centre.
You are encouraged to share this communiqué throughout your respective networks, and with any colleagues or peers who may need to be aware of this information.
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Employment and Social Development Canada
