Tim Hortons has committed to employing around 10,000 local workers, reducing its dependence on the temporary foreign worker program. The coffee chain has already hosted 400 hiring events in March and April, with more planned throughout the year to bolster its local team. This shift marks a departure from Tim Hortons’ previous reliance on the temporary foreign worker program, which was necessitated by labor shortages following the 2021 COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite utilizing the temporary foreign worker program for some employees, Tim Hortons emphasizes its longstanding commitment to hiring locally within the communities where its restaurants operate. The company’s communications director, Michael Oliveira, clarified that the perception of Tim Hortons heavily relying on the TFW program is a misconception.
Currently, only 3.6% of Tim Hortons’ restaurant workforce consists of approximately 4,000 employees hired through the temporary foreign worker program. The federal government previously increased the allowable proportion of temporary foreign workers for businesses from 10% to 20%, with certain sectors like food service extended to 30%, before reverting it back to 10% in 2024.
Tim Hortons had advocated for the program’s continuation to alleviate labor shortages, with records showing ongoing lobbying efforts by its parent company, Restaurant Brands International. However, recent data indicates a shift in focus away from immigration policy discussions with the government.
As youth unemployment in Canada rose to 14.3% in April, Tim Hortons announced plans to open 80 new restaurants nationwide and renovate 400 existing cafes. Ontario will see the most new locations, followed by Alberta and Quebec. These developments coincide with Dunkin’s return to the Canadian market through a partnership with Montreal-based Foodtastic.
While Tim Hortons faces competition from Dunkin’, the chain’s investment in local communities and commitment to hiring locally may help it maintain its strong Canadian presence. Business expert David Pullara suggests that leveraging its Canadian identity could be crucial in countering Dunkin’s appeal to a younger demographic.
Tim Hortons’ efforts to address youth unemployment and reinforce its community ties could resonate well with Canadians, positioning the company favorably against its competitors.