Tim Hortons has made a commitment to hire around 10,000 local employees as part of its initiative to decrease its use of the temporary foreign worker program. The coffee chain has organized 400 hiring events so far between March and April, with plans to continue hiring local team members throughout the year.
In response to the workforce shortages experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, Tim Hortons previously relied on the temporary foreign worker program to fill positions. However, the company emphasizes its dedication to hiring locally from the communities where its restaurants are situated. Tim Hortons’ communications director, Michael Oliveira, highlighted the company’s historical commitment to local hiring.
Only 3.6% of Tim Hortons employees in restaurant roles, which amounts to 4,000 workers, are currently employed through the temporary foreign worker program. These individuals are hired in communities facing documented labor shortages. The federal government increased the proportion of temporary foreign workers that businesses could employ, allowing up to 20% of the workforce to be temporary foreign workers, with certain sectors permitted up to 30%. This percentage was reduced back to 10% in 2024.
Tim Hortons engaged in lobbying efforts to support the maintenance of the temporary foreign worker program, citing its importance in addressing staffing challenges faced by restaurants. The company’s parent organization, Restaurant Brands International, was actively involved in lobbying the government on immigration policy related to the program until recently.
Amidst a rise in youth unemployment rates, Tim Hortons stated that lobbying efforts are no longer necessary. The company’s focus has shifted away from discussing immigration policy with the government, according to recent records. Statistics Canada reported a youth unemployment rate of 14.3% in April, significantly higher than the overall unemployment rate of 6.9%.
Tim Hortons recently announced plans to open 80 new restaurants across Canada by the year’s end and renovate 400 existing cafes. The majority of new stores will be in Ontario, with additional locations planned for Alberta and Quebec. These developments coincide with Dunkin’ making a return to the Canadian market, facilitated by Montreal-based Foodtastic.
The expansion plans at Tim Hortons are part of a long-term investment strategy aimed at supporting Canadian communities. The company emphasized that the current initiatives are primarily funded by local Canadian restaurant owners. David Pullara, a business consultant, suggested that the strategic moves by Tim Hortons may be influenced by the return of Dunkin’ to Canada and the potential impact on attracting a younger consumer base.
Tim Hortons’ efforts to invest in local communities and its established presence across Canada are seen as strengths in competing with Dunkin’. Collaborations with Canadian celebrities and a focus on Canadian identity could further bolster Tim Hortons’ position in the market. Companies pledging to address youth unemployment are likely to be well-received by Canadians, despite competition from other Canadian-backed enterprises like Foodtastic’s partnership with Dunkin’.