Subhead:Half of Canadians between 18-44 years-of-age support axing the TFW program.#
Amid high unemployment, particularly among youth, 44% of Canadians favor ending the temporary foreign worker program, according to a new poll.
In response to July’s 14.6% youth unemployment rate, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre proposed eliminating the program.
An online Abacus Data poll indicates that younger age groups show stronger support for ending the program, with over 50% of 30- to 44-year-olds and 48% of 18- to 29-year-olds in favor. Less than two in five (37%) respondents aged 60 and over hold similar views.
Support for ending the program is highest in the Prairie regions and lowest in Quebec and Atlantic Canada. While most Conservatives agree with Poilievre’s plan, Liberals are divided, with 36% in favour and 39% opposed.
Abacus Data CEO David Coletto views this as a “perfect wedge issue” for the Conservatives, similar to the carbon tax, that could put Liberals in a difficult spot.
“I think the lesson of the carbon tax is [the Liberals are] going to have to … explain why the status quo works for people, it works for the economy and it works for individuals.”
