Canada reduces Global Talent Stream referral partners by 29%

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has reduced the number of designated referral partners for the Global Talent Stream (GTS) by 29 percent. The number of organizations authorized to provide referrals under Category A of the program has decreased from 58 to 41, following the removal of 17 organizations.

The GTS is part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and is designed to provide an expedited route for innovative companies to recruit highly specialized foreign workers when local talent is unavailable. Under Category A, employers and workers must meet specific eligibility requirements to obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The program aims to process LMIAs and work permits within 10 business days in 80% of cases.

Ontario saw the most significant impact, with eight organizations removed from the list. Other removals affected various regions, including British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia, as well as certain pan-Canadian level entities. Employers in affected regions must now seek referrals from the remaining 41 designated partners, which include national organizations and provincial government bodies.