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Abstract: This paper reviews the evolution of the knowledge-based economy and with it the growth in the movement of foreign workers who often fill critical skill shortages, thus maintaining or enhancing a country’s productivity. This increased movement of workers, both high and low skilled, presents challenges in terms of international trade agreements and a country’s ability to manage the entry of foreign workers. The paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of enshrining commitments on the movement of persons in international trade agreements, and how Canada’s temporary foreign worker program can accommodate and facilitate the entry of needed foreign workers.