Immigration Cuts & What It Means for Canada’s Foodservice Industry
Watch this critical update where we explain the federal government’s announcement on the recent cuts and changes to…
From Global Kitchens to Local Plates: Immigration’s Role in Canada’s Restaurant Landscape.
The food and accommodation sector are the largest employer of immigrants and newcomers to Canada. Half of all Canadian restaurants are run by entrepreneurs who came here as immigrants, providing economic, social, and cultural benefits to communities across the country.
Immigration 
Fast Fact 1
Canada’s fourth-largest employer; over 1.1 million employees from coast to coast
Fast Fact 2
The largest employer of immigrants and newcomers to Canada
Fast Fact 3
Inclusive – 58% of the foodservice workforce are women
Fast Fact 4
Diverse – 31% of restaurant owners belong to visible minority groups
Member Feature
Menthe et Couscous
Montréal, QC
Our Recommendations
There are currently one million open work permitted newcomers in Canada made up of asylum seekers, refugees and international students. Unfortunately, newcomers often face significant barriers to full time Canadian employment and large numbers of them are currently unemployed. The restaurant industry has 78,000 job vacancies across Canada and a solid track record of supporting newcomers. This represents a win-win-win for governments, newcomers and the restaurant industry.
Our Recommendation: Implement a government run program to match open work permit newcomers with opportunity for employment in the restaurant industry.
To learn more about our ask, click here.
Related Resources
National 
Restaurants Canada statement on federal government’s announcement of new cuts to immigration targets
Restaurants Canada is disappointed by yesterday’s announcement by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of further cuts…
