Sunshine Coast fights to keep temporary foreign workers amid federal crackdown
Leaders from the Sunshine Coast are pushing back against federal restrictions on temporary foreign workers. A delegation, including Sechelt Mayor John Henderson, recently travelled to Vancouver to urge the government to ease the rules. They warn that hundreds of workers and their families could be forced to leave the region this year alone.
Now, Henderson and local business owners plan to take their case directly to Ottawa this month, arguing for a more flexible approach tailored to community needs.
The Sunshine Coast faces losing around 300 temporary foreign workers and their families in 2026. Many of these workers fill critical roles in elder care, working as dental assistants and healthcare assistants. The federal government's 10-per cent cap on low-wage temporary foreign workers has made it harder for employers to retain them, leaving businesses and services at risk.
Mayor Henderson and other local officials met with Immigration Minister Lena Diab to highlight the urgency of the situation. They stressed that a one-size-fits-all policy fails to account for regional labour shortages. Henderson proposed a more detailed, community-specific approach instead.
The Sunshine Coast is not alone in its concerns. Over the past two years, at least 12 municipalities and regions—including Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and British Columbia—have called for relaxed restrictions. Their arguments point to severe shortages in agriculture, healthcare, and construction, as well as the broader economic strain caused by business closures and an ageing population.
Among those affected is 19-year-old Allainne Gabaleo, whose family's work permits may not be renewed. Stories like hers have added weight to the delegation's plea for a more adaptable system.
The upcoming trip to Ottawa marks another step in the Sunshine Coast's fight to retain essential workers. If restrictions remain unchanged, businesses and services could face further strain. The outcome of these discussions may determine whether communities like Sechelt can keep the workers they rely on.
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