Recognized Employer Pilot program streamlines labour processes and red tape for employment

The federal government has unveiled a new pilot program designed to improve the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program and simplify the Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIA) process. The Recognized Employer Pilot (REP) program aims to reduce bureaucratic obstacles for employers with a clean track record and address the need for workers in high-demand fields.

The REP program is open to repeat employers who meet the highest standards in high-demand fields. A total of 12,400 employers in high-demand fields, already assessed as ready for the REP program, are eligible to participate. Employers seeking recognized employer status can apply during their next LMIA process, seamlessly integrating it into their regular application process. If an employer is not eligible for the REP program, their LMIA application will still be processed to avoid disruption.

Employers in good standing will have the option to extend the validity period of LMIAs from 18 to 36 months, making it particularly beneficial for those who engage with the program annually. Recognized employers will also benefit from simplified applications that address their future hiring needs.

Participating employers will be required to commit to four standards, including

regular check-ins with temporary foreign workers;
annual wage reviews to ensure fair compensation;
continuous efforts to hire Canadians or permanent residents; and
yearly housing inspection reports for accommodations provided to workers.

The REP program will be rolled out in phases.

September 12, 2023: REP program opens to agricultural employers with four designated occupations.
January 1, 2024: All other selected occupations (84 in total) will be eligible. The 84 designated occupations projected to be in shortage were selected based on the Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) assessment of recent labour market conditions.

The intake for the program will close on September 16, 2024, and is proposed to end on December 31, 2026, subject to review.

CCA encourages employers to make use of the program and provide feedback to enhance its effectiveness and address any concerns. We will also continue working with the federal government on this and other immigration programs aimed at addressing workforce shortages in the industry.

For more information please email Louis-Philippe Champagne, Director of Government Relations and Policy, or Mario Baker, Assistant Manager of Economics and Policy Development.