Some within Canada’s hospitality industry say the federal government’s 2025
budget fails to deliver meaningful support to a sector still trying to dig out from
rising costs, weaker consumer spending, and ongoing staffing shortages.Some
feels like Ottawa left one of the country’s largest employment sectors out of the
conversation entirely. Sam Brenner is the president of Silverware, a point-of-sale
technology company used by restaurants, bars, and hotels nationwide. Brenner
says Ottawa’s lack of focus on a clear plan to replace foreign workers — with
federal immigration caps set to tighten over the next two years — is one of his
biggest concerns.He warns the impact could be felt immediately if staffing gets
even tighter.
“Temporary residents fill essential positions — chef, cook, waiter, front of staff, whatever
the case is.” New national survey data from the 2025 Canadian Hospitality Service
Report backs that up:
39 per cent of operators say rising costs are the top threat
27 per cent are facing significant staffing shortages
31 per cent say lack of staff is hurting guest experience