Tim Hortons has announced a major nationwide hiring campaign, aiming to add 10,000 new employees to its workforce. This move comes as the coffee chain reduces its reliance on the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program, citing changing labour market conditions and high youth unemployment in Canada.
Shift in Hiring Strategy
According to the company, the number of temporary foreign workers at its locations has declined steadily since 2024. Currently, out of Tim Hortons' 110,000 employees, only 4,000 were hired through the TFW program, representing about 3.6% of all restaurant roles. The company stated that lobbying for expanded access to the TFW program is no longer necessary, as acute labour shortages experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic have eased.
During the pandemic, the Canadian government increased access to the TFW program to help businesses facing staffing challenges. Tim Hortons supported these measures and lobbied to maintain greater access when the government announced plans to limit applications. However, with youth unemployment rates soaring across the country, the company has decided to shift its focus toward hiring local workers.
Focus on Youth Employment
Tim Hortons emphasized its role as a leading employer of youth, noting that 45% of its staff are between the ages of 15 and 24. The company said it will continue to work within the labour frameworks set by federal and provincial governments. Diversity remains a core value, and Tim Hortons stated it does not discriminate in its local hiring practices, which include Canadian students, international students, people with disabilities, mature workers, Indigenous people, new Canadians, and members of the local community of all ages.
Expansion and Renovations
The hiring spree follows the company's announcement last week that it will open 80 new restaurants across Canada in 2026 and renovate 400 existing locations. Ontario will see 26 new restaurants and 188 renovations, representing a total investment of approximately $165 million into local communities. This expansion comes as competitor Dunkin' confirmed plans to open hundreds of locations across Canada.
Industry Context
The decision to reduce temporary foreign worker usage reflects broader trends in Canada's labour market. With youth unemployment reaching crisis levels, many companies are re-evaluating their hiring practices. Tim Hortons' move signals a commitment to supporting local employment while maintaining its operational needs.
