Restaurants Canada supports New Brunswick’s request for an exemption on immigration cuts

Restaurants Canada fully supports Minister Jean-Claude D’Amours in his ask to the federal government for an exemption to immigration cuts.

We agree with Minister D’Amours that the federal government’s one-size-fits all decision to slash immigration numbers is detrimental to New Brunswick. The demographic reality is that the province requires foreign workers to sustain the local economy.

Restaurants in New Brunswick already have over 1,500 vacant positions. Without a way for our foreign workers to renew their work permits, the labour shortage issue will only worsen and will affect the ability for restaurants to operate normally. We expect our members will be forced to reduce their operating hours and/or close certain days of the week.

Today, 53% of restaurants are either operating at a loss or barely breaking even. Restaurant owners simply can’t afford to reduce their operating hours. If our industry cannot access much-needed foreign labour, many restaurant owners in our smaller communities may have to entirely close their doors. This will directly affect the tourism product of the province.

— Janick Cormier, Vice-President, Atlantic Canada, Restaurants Canada

Media Contact:

Milena Stanoeva, Restaurants Canada | media@restaurantscanada.org | 647-921-1758

About Restaurants Canada

Restaurants Canada is a national, not-for-profit association advancing Canada’s diverse and dynamic foodservice industry. Restaurants are a $120 billion industry employing nearly 1.2 million Canadians and are the number one source of first-time jobs in Canada.