Several Canadian provinces have joined the federal government’s temporary policy to provide more flexibility for rural employers to hire low-wage temporary foreign workers. Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Quebec, British Columbia, and New Brunswick are among the provinces participating in the program. While some provinces are yet to share their involvement details, others have chosen not to participate.

Temporary Measures Overview

Ottawa’s temporary measures, effective from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, offer eligible rural employers in participating provinces the option to maintain their current proportion of low-wage positions filled by temporary foreign workers, exceeding the usual 10% cap. Employers can also benefit from a 15% cap on the proportion of temporary foreign workers in low-wage positions.

Provinces have the autonomy to decide on participation and the specific measure to adopt. British Columbia and New Brunswick have each chosen one of the two measures.

British Columbia

British Columbia will implement one of the measures across all sectors starting May 4, 2026. Eligible rural employers in the province can retain their current proportion of low-wage positions filled by temporary foreign workers, irrespective of the cap.

The province has not adopted the increased 15% cap at this time.

New Brunswick

New Brunswick implemented one of the measures on April 23, 2026, across all sectors. Eligible rural employers in the province can utilize the 15% cap on the proportion of temporary foreign workers in low-wage positions.

New Brunswick has not adopted the retained proportion measures at this time.

Employer Qualification

Employers in rural areas must meet all regular Temporary Foreign Worker Program requirements to access these measures.