The latest quarterly update from the government has revealed changes in the processing of low-wage Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) in certain census metropolitan areas (CMAs) across Canada.
There are now a total of 32 CMAs where LMIAs will not be processed this quarter, an increase from the previous quarter. Starting October 10, some regions like Peterborough, Ontario, will resume processing low-wage LMIAs, while others like Guelph, Ontario, and Winnipeg, Manitoba, will temporarily halt processing.
LMIAs are crucial for obtaining work permits under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). The government had previously announced a halt in processing LMIA applications for CMAs with high unemployment rates, leading to the quarterly release of a list of affected regions.
Changes in CMAs as of October 10:
- Guelph, Ontario
- Greater Sudbury, Ontario
- Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Regina, Saskatchewan
- Lethbridge, Alberta
- Red Deer, Alberta
- Kelowna, British Columbia
During the specified period, LMIAs from these regions will not be processed under the low-wage stream of the TFWP. Additionally, Peterborough, Ontario, has been removed from the list, allowing LMIAs from this region to be processed.
Full List of CMAs Ineligible as of October 10:
| Census metropolitan area (CMA) | Unemployment rate |
| St. John’s, NL | 6.8 |
| Halifax, NS | 6.1 |
| Moncton, NB | 7.3 |
| Saint John, NB | 7.3 |
| Fredericton, NB | 6.7 |
| Montréal, QC | 6.7 |
| Ottawa-Gatineau, ON/QC | 7.7 |
| Kingston, ON | 6.6 |