"With unemployment above 7% and youth unemployment near 15%, a domestic workforce exists," said Sarj Dhaliwal, CEO of Wyrk. "Instead of defaulting to quick fixes, let's pause, repair, and relaunch these programs and build a local pipeline now."
Why a Pause Is Needed
- Integrity breaches are documented: CBC and investigative reports have exposed LMIA "jobs for sale" schemes for $25k–$45k.
- Oversight gaps are real: ESDC found 116 employers in violation of TFW rules in 2022-23, with $1.54M in fines (proof of systemic risk).
- Worker mobility matters: Closed, employer-tied permits make workers vulnerable to abuse and wage suppression, flagged by international labour groups.
A Better Ready-Now Path
- Regional Talent Pools: Pre-vetted hospitality staff available for call-outs, peaks, and seasonal demand.
- Paid Practicums: College partnerships to turn students into job-ready hires.
- "Already Here" Recruitment: Domestic students, recent grads, open-permit holders, and current workers.
- Smart Scheduling Tech: Match shifts faster, keep staff longer.
A call to action
Restaurants, hotels, chambers of commerce, schools can join Wyrk in building a transparent, ethical pipeline that puts Canadian youth and residents to work while pressing Ottawa for real reform.
(https://www.wyrk.io)
Photos: (Click photo to enlarge)

Source: Wyrk
Read Full Story - Pause the Flawed TFW System. Let's Build Canada's Hospitality Workforce at Home | More news from this source
Press release distribution by PRLog