Across North America, shift-based industries form the foundation of essential sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, hospitality, and retail distribution. Canada and the United States both rely heavily on international workers to meet the labour demands of these sectors, ensuring operations run smoothly and economies continue to grow.
The Labour Shortage Challenge
Labour shortages are a growing issue in both Canada and the United States as workforces age and birth rates remain low. From 2000 – 2020 the share of employed workers ages 60 and over has doubled among both men and women. Shift-based industries—which typically require nontraditional hours and may involve physical labour—are among the hardest hit. For example, healthcare relies on round-the-clock staffing to provide consistent patient care, while retail distribution needs workers to process, pack, and deliver goods in response to fluctuating consumer demand.
However, the nature of these roles, combined with often challenging work hours, means they are not always appealing to domestic workers. Limited upward mobility, the physical demands of shift work, and work-life balance issues contribute to lower retention and a persistent shortage of available local workers. In both countries, international workers are called upon to fill these critical roles, helping to maintain stability and growth in essential sectors.
Immigration Programs Supporting International Workers
Both Canada and the United States have established visa programs that allow businesses to hire international workers to address labour gaps. In Canada, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP) provide pathways for international workers to fill essential roles. The TFWP, for example, is designed to allow employers to hire foreign workers when no qualified Canadians are available, while the IMP includes initiatives such as cultural exchange programs that can help employers hire for both skilled and unskilled positions.
In the U.S., the H-2B visa program enables employers to bring in temporary non-agricultural workers to meet seasonal or fluctuating labour demands, while the J-1 visa program facilitates cultural exchange and brings workers into various roles, including seasonal positions in hospitality and retail distribution.
These programs are invaluable to shift-based industries in both countries, providing vital support to sectors where labour shortages threaten operational continuity. International workers, hired through these programs, fill critical roles in healthcare facilities, manufacturing plants, hotels, warehouses, and distribution centers, stabilizing the workforce even in times of high demand.
Economic and Social Benefits of International Workers
The contributions of international workers in Canada and the U.S. extend beyond filling immediate labour needs; they bring substantial economic and social value to both nations. In healthcare, for example, internationally trained nurses and aides help alleviate staff shortages, ensuring hospitals and care facilities can maintain standards of care. In retail distribution, international workers support the supply chain, helping goods reach consumers efficiently and contributing to the success of North America’s economy.
Moreover, international workers add diversity to the workplace, fostering inclusivity and a broader range of perspectives. This diversity can drive innovation and strengthen team dynamics, ultimately benefiting North American businesses as they compete globally.
Addressing the Challenges International Workers Face
Despite the crucial roles they play, international workers in both countries often face unique challenges, including limited access to permanent residency, language barriers, and difficulty accessing essential services like healthcare, housing, and transportation. Building a support network can also be challenging, making integration into society and the workplace more difficult.
Employers, communities, and policymakers can help improve the experience of international workers by expanding pathways to permanent residency for essential workers, providing language assistance, and ensuring fair wages and benefits. These actions can enhance job satisfaction and security for international workers, ultimately helping them to contribute more effectively to the workforce.
Conclusion
International workers are indispensable to the shift-based economies of both Canada and the United States. Their contributions help stabilize essential industries, fuel economic growth, and bring valuable diversity to North American society. As labour shortages continue, appreciating and supporting the vital role of international workers will be key to maintaining the strength and resilience of both nations’ economies.