WORKFORCE

Persistent labour shortages limit hotels’ ability to meet demand, maintain services and invest in growth. Explore the workforce challenges facing the industry and Hotels Canada’s recommendations to support domestic hiring, access to international workers and staff housing.

The Government of Canada invited stakeholders to provide input on the development of the 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan through a public consultation process. As the national voice of Canada’s hotel industry, Hotels Canada participated in the consultation to share the sector’s perspectives on immigration policy and its importance to addressing persistent workforce challenges. The consultation was conducted through an online questionnaire. To support transparency and provide stakeholders with access to our recommendations, Hotels Canada is publishing our submission below in the format in which it was provided to the Government of Canada.

The 2026 Spring Workforce Report explores the workforce pressures affecting Canada’s hotel industry, including shortages and the impacts of immigration and policy changes. Drawing on feedback from hotels across the country, the report highlights regional workforce realities, operational impacts, and emerging trends shaping the industry in early 2026.

A comprehensive analysis of workforce trends across Canada’s hotel sector, combining national data, industry insights, and policy context to support planning and inform decision-making.

On March 13, Minister Hajdu announced new measures to support rural employers under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. This Q&A outlines the key details of the new measures.

Submission to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) as part of its consultations for a Rural Development Action Plan.

Submission to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) as part of its national engagement on Youth in the Labour Market.

Brief to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA) for its study on the impacts of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) on the labour market.

Brief to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA) for its study on Youth Employment in Canada.

Hotels Canada has endorsed the Reimagining Immigration policy paper, which outlines the Canadian International Workforce Program (CIWP)—a proposed immigration plan to address labour shortages in lower-skilled jobs. The CIWP would offer both temporary and permanent pathways, ensure worker protections, and support access to permanent residency. Led by the federal Commissioner for Employers, the paper is backed by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, tourism associations, and widely supported across the hotel sector.

Check out this infographic for 12 ways to invest in employee development at your hotel.

More than half of Canada’s workforce are Millennials or Gen Z. Learn what’s important to them.

This infographic illustrates the and explains the five phases of the talent lifecycle.

Check out HAC Workforce Growth Strategy Quick Start Guide for 12 easy and inexpensive tips to attract and keep hotel talent.

The Hotel Association of Canada Hotel Workforce Action Plan provides an overview of the key pressures faced by the sector as well as recommendations to address the industry’s workforce challenges at every phase of the talent lifecycle (Attraction, Recruitment, Retention, Development, & Separation).