Tim Hortons Lobbies to Raise Temporary Foreign Worker Cap

For over a year, Canadian coffee chain Tim Hortons has been lobbying the federal government to increase the number of temporary foreign workers (TFWs) its franchisees can hire, citing ongoing labour shortages in the food service industry.

Internal documents and lobbying records show that Tim Hortons requested raising the cap on TFWs from 20% to 30%, arguing that the pandemic disproportionately affected the sector and that restaurants continue to struggle to fill vacancies. At the height of COVID-19 in 2021, Ottawa had temporarily allowed a higher limit, but in 2024, the cap was reduced to 10%.

The lobbying efforts included multiple meetings with federal MPs from different parties, as well as officials from several departments. The company also requested faster visa renewals for foreign employees, highlighting the need for “flexibility in hiring TFWs,” particularly in rural and smaller communities where labour shortages are more acute.

Tim Hortons representatives emphasized that more than 95% of their staff are hired locally, but noted a rise in harassment toward employees who do not “look Canadian.” The company has also invested in training programs and industry partnerships to help fill the approximately 70,000 vacancies across the restaurant sector.

While some MPs expressed support for easing TFW restrictions, opposition voices argue that the program takes jobs away from young Canadians. Conservative immigration critic Michelle Rempel Garner stated that the TFW program removes “first opportunities” for local youth and called for its abolition. Similarly, NDP interim leader Don Davies said the program requires a “complete overhaul,” suggesting companies should first improve wages and working conditions to attract Canadian workers.

The federal government has not committed to any policy changes but maintains that the TFW program is regularly reviewed to respond to economic and labour market needs. Tim Hortons has also clarified that while a 2024 letter suggested a permanent foreign worker program, the company is no longer pursuing that initiative.

As labour shortages persist across Canada’s restaurant sector, the debate over the role of temporary foreign workers in supporting businesses while protecting local employment opportunities continues to grow.