The temporary rural measures
From April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027, eligible rural employers in participating provinces and territories may receive temporary treatment for certain low-wage Temporary Foreign Worker Program positions.
Depending on the jurisdiction, an employer may retain an existing proportion of low-wage temporary foreign workers above the normal cap, receive a 15 per cent cap instead of 10 per cent, or receive both measures.
A province-by-province program
British Columbia currently offers the retained-proportion measure. Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Northwest Territories and Nova Scotia offer both measures. Quebec offers the retained-proportion measure. Alberta, Ontario and Nunavut are not participating, while Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan and Yukon remain listed as to be determined.
All other program requirements continue, including recruitment efforts directed first to Canadians and permanent residents and a new LMIA submitted during the applicable period.