Hi
I am a u.s. citizen. how can I get a temporary work permit for canada if i am not planning on becoming a citizen?
Find a Canadian employer who is willing to get a Labour Market Opinion that there are no Canadian or PRs available for the job, and they have advertised extensively. Then if your credentials meet the criteria, you can apply for a work permit. see:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/index.aspPMM