Business of Supply

This was a Committee of the Whole examination of the immigration minister’s spending plans, where Conservative members used their questions to press the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship on asylum numbers, border screening, visa decisions, fraudulent immigration consultants, temporary foreign workers, and the removal of people with no legal status. The minister pointed to falling asylum claim numbers, cooperation with provinces to relocate refugees, enforcement actions including the removal of 23,000 people last year, and Bill C-12 as a measure to further reduce asylum claims. Liberal members also used some questions to highlight immigration’s economic benefits and summer jobs for youth.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

Official text (opens in a new tab)

462 statements

Kyle Seeback, Dufferin—Caledon

Conservative
“The minister approved 126,000 temporary foreign worker permits for skilled trades while 127,000 Canadian trades workers were unemployed. She should apologize to the workers who lost their jobs.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Chair, since she does not know the answer to the question of how many TFW permits she gave in the skilled trades category, it is 126,000, which is almost identical to the 127,000 skilled trades workers who were unemployed in 2025. Does the minister now want to take the opportunity to apologize for removing the union’s safeguard on LMIAs and apologize to the 127,000 skilled trades workers who lost their jobs because of the 126,000 TFW permits she issued in skilled trades?

Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Liberal
“I meet with union leaders all the time. These foreign worker jobs fill needed labour gaps, especially in rural areas. The minister has also added strict rules to the program.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Chair, actually, I met with union leaders when I went to Sudbury a few months ago. I also meet with union leaders all the time. It is part of what I do. I think we all do that. The important thing here is that these jobs are to fill labour gaps. They are for work in rural communities, in communities where these jobs are needed. There are extreme measures that the Minister of Employment and Workforce has taken to tighten those measures.

Kyle Seeback, Dufferin—Caledon

Conservative
“The temporary foreign worker program is hurting Canadian trade workers and lowering their wages. A union warned the government this would happen. I want the minister to admit she made a mistake and apologize.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Chair, the minister’s lack of remorse for a bad decision that has had real consequences for skilled trade workers in this country is really shocking. Ironworkers Union Local 97 warned the government of the effect of this. The head of that union said that the TFW program was being misused and abused, was driving down wages and undercutting hard-working Canadians, which the numbers I just gave the minister prove. Does she now want to admit that it was a mistake and apologize for that mistake?

Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Liberal
“We are bringing in more skilled tradespeople like carpenters, plumbers, and machinists. Canada needs these workers to build the country.”
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Official Hansard

Mr. Chair, under my express entry category, we continue to prioritize tradespeople such as carpenters, plumbers and machinists. We have been told that these are gaps and that the workers are needed today here in Canada, particularly as we build the country.

Kyle Seeback, Dufferin—Caledon

Conservative
“The government brought in 126,000 temporary foreign workers for skilled trades while 127,000 Canadian trade workers do not have jobs. Unions warned this would hurt Canadian workers and apprenticeships. Will the government apologize to these unemployed Canadians?”
Official Hansard

You talk about building the country. Here is what building trades unions have said about your temporary foreign worker program. They warned your government that excessive reliance on temporary labour would weaken apprenticeship pathways and discourage employers from hiring Canadian employees. The numbers I just gave you bear that out exactly. I give you another opportunity: Do you want to apologize to the 127,000 unemployed skilled trade workers whose jobs went to 126,000 TFWs that you granted in the skilled trades?

Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Liberal
“Canadians should always get jobs first. We tightened the rules so hiring temporary foreign workers is a last resort, but some businesses still need them. My job is to manage immigration and support young people.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Chair, we have been clear that Canadians always deserve and should be getting the jobs first. There are strict rules, and they have been tightened considerably for temporary foreign workers in a very targeted way that remains the last resort for employers to find workers. There are some businesses and communities that are still needing them. My job is to manage migration and to invest in our youth and also in—

Kyle Seeback, Dufferin—Caledon

Conservative
“A union leader said the temporary foreign worker program is being used to keep wages down. I want the minister to tell us if she thinks he is wrong.”
Official Hansard

Through you, Mr. Chair, what is amazing is the minister’s lack of remorse for the effect of her decisions. Doug Parton of Ironworkers Local 97 said that the TFW model has become a “business model” to suppress wages. Is the minister saying that Mr. Parton, the business manager for Ironworkers Local 97, is wrong?

Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Liberal

Linked statement

“We work with the provinces and territories to fill job shortages. Even Conservative MPs have written to me supporting the temporary foreign worker program.”
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Official Hansard

Mr. Chair, we work with the provinces and territories to focus on addressing the labour market gaps. Quite frankly, I have received letters from Conservative members of Parliament as well, advocating for the temporary foreign worker program.

Kyle Seeback, Dufferin—Caledon

Conservative
“The minister's government now admits there are at least 500,000 undocumented people here.”
Official Hansard

Minister, your government now admits that there are at least 500,000 undocumented—

Kyle Seeback, Dufferin—Caledon

Conservative
“The government admits there are at least 500,000 undocumented people in Canada. Can the minister promise that none of them are working illegally on construction sites funded by federal tax dollars?”
Official Hansard

Through you, Mr. Chair, I say that the government now admits that there are at least 500,000 undocumented people in Canada. Can the minister guarantee that none of these undocumented people are participating in illegal labour on construction sites, with federal tax dollars being used for those construction projects?

Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Liberal
“We are focusing on bringing in skilled trades workers like carpenters, plumbers, and machinists. I have met with union leaders across the country, and we are working with them.”
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Official Hansard

Mr. Chair, we continue to prioritize trades workers, as I said, such as carpenters, plumbers and machinists. I have personally met with union leaders right here in the House of Commons building, and also in provinces that I have actually visited. We continue to work with them, and we will ensure that our—

Kyle Seeback, Dufferin—Caledon

Conservative
“Border officials found four undocumented workers on a construction project in Calgary that gets federal money. Does the minister know about this, and what is she doing to stop it from happening again?”
Official Hansard

Mr. Chair, the question was about undocumented workers on federal construction sites, where they are getting federal tax dollars. Perhaps the minister misunderstood the question, which is why I am repeating it. In fact just recently, four undocumented workers were identified by CBSA at the Calgary event centre project. Is the minister aware of these cases, yes or no, and what is she doing to prevent this in the future?

Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Liberal
“Our plan is working. We have reduced the number of temporary workers and made the rules stricter. We will keep checking on them.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Chair, as I have indicated, we have a plan. The plan is working. There has been a considerable reduction in the number of temporary workers. We have tightened integrity measures. We will continue to look at those. There are members of Parliament from the opposition who are advocating—

Kyle Seeback, Dufferin—Caledon

Conservative
“The minister did not answer my question. Alberta labour groups found that workers on a federally funded project were paid in cash, used fake safety certificates, had no injury insurance, and were threatened with deportation. Has the minister investigated this or done anything to stop it?”
Official Hansard

Mr. Chair, once again, there is not even an attempt to answer the question. It is insulting to the people whom we represent when we ask these questions and the minister does not try to answer. Alberta labour organizations uncovered allegations of workers being paid cash, using forged safety certifications, operating without WCB coverage and being threatened with deportation if they spoke out. This was on a project that received federal dollars. Can the minister cite one investigation into this going on and one action that her department has taken to crack down on these types of occurrences?

Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Liberal
“Canada protects temporary foreign workers under the same job rules as everyone else. Both workers and businesses must follow strict rules, and our departments work together to run the immigration system responsibly.”
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Official Hansard

Mr. Chair, there is worker compliance protection in Canada. Temporary foreign workers have the same employment standards, but there are also rules they have to follow. Businesses also must adhere to strict conditions. These are managed not just by IRCC but also by the employment and workforce department. We work across government to ensure that we manage our immigration system accordingly, appropriately, responsibly and efficiently.

Kyle Seeback, Dufferin—Caledon

Conservative
“I want the minister to answer my question. Did the government investigate this case? Also, the government should not use the temporary foreign worker program to bring in HVAC workers if local HVAC workers do not have jobs. Am I right about that?”
Official Hansard

Mr. Chair, I asked whether there had been a specific investigation to deal with the specific facts I was citing. The minister is unable to come up with one, so I assume that would mean no. I would assume that the temporary foreign worker program would not be used to bring in HVAC technicians if there were HVAC technicians unemployed in that area. Am I correct in that assumption?

Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Liberal
“Employers who bring in temporary foreign workers must follow strict rules. They have to prove they tried hard to hire Canadian workers first.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Chair, employers bringing in people under the temporary foreign worker program have strict requirements they have to comply with. They have to show that they have taken considerable measures to find Canadian workers. The ministry of employment and workforce—

Kyle Seeback, Dufferin—Caledon

Conservative
“A union in the Toronto area found that a company was using over a dozen temporary foreign workers for heating and cooling jobs.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Chair, UA local 787 organized an employer in the GTA. When it organized that employer, it discovered that there were over a dozen HVAC TFWs working for that company. At the same time, there were a similar number of—

Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Liberal
“We have strict rules for employers who hire temporary foreign workers. This program is only meant to be temporary, but it helps fill jobs when there are no Canadians to do them.”
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Official Hansard

Mr. Chair, we have implemented strict requirements for all employers, which they have to adhere to. The temporary foreign worker program is meant to be exactly that: temporary. However, it is also to ensure that we fill those labour gaps that Canadians cannot fill.

Sameer Zuberi, Pierrefonds—Dollard

Liberal
“Our immigration system must balance order with compassion. We are helping 115,000 protected people who face danger back home stay here as permanent residents. I want the minister to explain how the budget will keep supporting refugees while keeping Canadians' trust.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Chair, I rise today to speak about Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s 2026-27 main estimates as a member of the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration. Canadians have asked us to bring balance to the immigration system while upholding the values of compassion and respect. To that effect, our committee has examined several important themes this parliamentary session. We have heard from government officials on the concrete progress they have made to bring balance and transparency to our immigration system and from frontline workers across our beautiful country about the unique regional challenges they are facing. We have heard from academics about ways to improve our immigration system and from deeply vulnerable communities that have come to Canada seeking safety and protection. We are living through a period of significant global change and, dare I say, turmoil. Presently, 120 million people are displaced from their homes because of climate change, conflict and persecution. Canada has a strong and proud humanitarian tradition. This reflects our values and our international obligations. We believe that everyone in need of protection deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. They deserve a chance to rebuild their lives. They deserve a chance to work, to study and to contribute to the Canadian family while here. In line with our latest humanitarian commitments regarding protected persons, we have announced a new initiative aimed at facilitating the transition to permanent residence. This initiative affects approximately 115,000 protected persons in Canada. These are particularly vulnerable individuals who have been recognized as needing protection. They have met very strict legal criteria. They cannot return to their countries of origin. If they were to return, it would mean persecution and a potential threat to their lives. These people are already contributing to communities across Canada. They are becoming neighbours, workers, students, volunteers, business leaders and members of the community—our community. They are helping to build the country we share. This initiative involving protected persons is also a matter of compassion. Many constituents in my riding, Pierrefonds—Dollard, have told me of the pain caused by family separation and the difficulty of reuniting with their loved ones. This measure will help to remedy these difficult situations. It is a good example of the necessary balance between compassion and the system’s capacity. We are restoring order to the system while continuing to protect those who need it most. We have seen in the last years how quickly humanitarian situations can evolve or devolve. We have been responding to a range of international crises and displacement situations; however, behind every crisis are countless human stories. Take the case of Sudan. The humanitarian crisis in Sudan is the largest crisis in the world, with an estimated 13.6 million people uprooted by fighting and extreme violence. Community advocates have testified at the immigration committee about the Sudan family reunification program. Sudanese Canadians have sought to bring their family members to safety. They have also worked closely with IRCC and the international crisis response team to help restart biometric collection in Sudan, in partnership with the International Organization for Migration, the IOM. This is an example of what collaboration between government and advocates can achieve. Take the crisis in Gaza. It continues to be a nightmare, with staggering humanitarian needs. Palestinian Canadians who have loved ones in Gaza continue to endure heartache while trying to bring their family members to safety. Those who have found safety in Canada are deeply grateful. They have started to rebuild their lives but are still worrying about loved ones they have left behind. Canada’s humanitarian tradition is built on partnerships. We do not go at it alone; we rely on international partners, such as UNHCR and others, to help identify people in need of protection. One such example is the partnership in the special immigration program of motion M-62. It was created to resettle vulnerable Uyghur refugees here in Canada. The Uyghur people are facing mass arbitrary detention, forced separation of children from their parents, forced sterilization and forced labour. At the immigration committee, we have heard from officials about the progress made through the resettlement program. Advocates have also testified about the value of the program and the need for it to continue at an increased scale. I have met with vulnerable people who are Uyghur, Palestinian, Rohingya or Ukrainian, and many others, people who have been welcomed here to Canada with open hearts and compassion. They are deeply grateful to all Canadians for providing them with refuge and safety. Their stories are human stories that remind us about our best selves, of our duty to protect people in need and of what it means to be Canadian and to be a humanitarian. In our immigration system, we work in partnership with the provinces and territories, municipalities and local communities. This collaboration is essential to welcoming newcomers. We rely on settlement organizations that provide essential integration services, including language training, employment assistance and housing supports. We also rely on civil society organizations and volunteers. They help make Canada’s humanitarian tradition a daily reality for everyone. This collective effort is one of our strengths as Canadians. It is also important to remember the positive contributions made by newcomers to our communities. Immigrants contribute to our economy and help address labour shortages. They set up businesses. They build homes. They care for our sick and elderly. They also enrich our communities through their diverse backgrounds. Every generation of Canadians has been shaped by people from other places. These are people who arrived here with little to their names, people who worked hard to build a better life for their families. This story continues today. It continues in Pierrefonds—Dollard and across the country. Our government is committed to continuing to build an immigration system that is fair, sustainable and true to Canadian values. I thank the minister for being here today; for responding to the questions of all members, from both the governing party and the opposition parties, with respect to our immigration system; and for taking the time to provide thorough and accurate answers. With that, I will ask my own question. Can the Minister of Immigration share with us how these main estimates will continue to support our refugee and humanitarian immigration system while making sure that it reflects our values as Canadians, respects our international obligations and inspires confidence among Canadians for years to come?

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