Changes to the High-Wage / Low-Wage Thresholds
Under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, there are significantly different requirements depending upon whether a position is classified as a high-wage position or a low-wage position. For example, if a position is classified as a low-wage position, the employer is required to target underrepresented groups (e.g. indigenous persons, vulnerable youth, newcomers, and persons with disabilities) when advertising the position.
If an employer is offering a wage which is at or above the provincial or territorial median hourly wage, the application must be submitted under the high-wage stream. Conversely, if an employer is offering a wage which is below the provincial or territorial median hourly wage, the application must be submitted under the low-wage stream.
Effective today, Employment and Social Development Canada has adjusted the provincial or territorial median hourly wages. As indicated in the Table below, all wages have increased expect for Nova Scotia which remains the same and Nunavut which has decreased by CAD$1.00 per hour.
Employers who are yet to file a labour market impact assessment application, including those currently completing the advertising and recruitment activities, will be subject to these changes.
