By Dave Branco

temporary foreign worker program

Premier David Eby renews criticism of temporary foreign worker program

Sep 10, 2025 | 2:57 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – British Columbia Premier David Eby is seeking a significant overhaul of Canada’s temporary foreign worker program, and according to one business analyst, the program is flawed, hindering Canadians’ ability to find jobs. However, the Chamber of Commerce says we should carefully consider any potential changes to the program.

This week, BC Premier David Eby reaffirmed his criticism of the temporary foreign worker program, igniting a discussion among business owners and job seekers alike.

“The temporary foreign worker program is not working. It should be cancelled or significantly reformed.”

David Eby

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Premier of British Columbia

In the first quarter of 2025, British Columbia approved approximately 11,000 temporary foreign worker positions, and Scott says that the program needs to be revised so that employers do not negatively impact wages.

“ The challenge becomes that it is widely used to do exactly what it’s not supposed to bring in cheaper foreign labour to replace Canadian labour that is available, but that is too expensive for the firms. In other words, it’s being taken advantage of by firms to get cheap, available labour so that they don’t have to pay Canadian wages.”

Charles Scott

Senior Instructor, Business UNBC

Neil Godbout, of the Prince George Chamber of Commerce, says that tweaking or eliminating the program could have a significant impact on business owners.

“ We need immigration, for population growth and for our economy. So we really have to be careful, we’re not just knee-jerking in reacting. And of course, when the government, you know, abruptly changes policy that affects business, too, it creates more uncertainty. We already live in uncertain times.”

Neil Godbout

Prince George Chamber of Commerce

Eby’s comments echo similar statements made by federal conservative leader Pierre Polievre.

Email: Dave.Branco@pattisonmedia.com

TikTok: @DaveBrancoVJ