LMIA policy to assess Employer Ability to Pay Wages is Problematic

When an employer offers a job to a foreign national, the employer must demonstrate that he/she has the funds to pay the wage during a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). There are serious problems in how this ability is being measured, with an over reliance on retained earnings.

LMIA policy vs procedure signs to demonstrate faults and conflicts

Matrixvisa expressed concerns about the use of retained earnings in a letter addressed to the Associate Deputy Minister Employment and Social Development (ESDC) and Chief Operations Officer of Service Canada Mr. Cliff Groen in Sept 2026, see a copy of the letter here. Mr Groen sent a response to Matrixvisa shortly thereafter, see Mr. Groen’s response here.

The government redacted crucial information in their policy about retained earnings, the policy can be seen here. A complaint was submitted to the Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC) on 8 January 2026 about the redactions.

Matrixvisa is now waiting for the OIC to respond to the complaint.