The program is under scrutiny over increasing use to fill low-wage positions, while experts question growing reliance on foreign workers as unemployment rises
A final report by UN investigator Tomoya Obokata concludes that Canada ’s temporary foreign worker program is a breeding ground for contemporary forms of slavery.
Federal programs that allow Canadian companies to bring in foreign labour on a temporary basis have existed in various forms for decades, with numerous waves of reforms to the rules over that time. Historically, it has primarily been used in the agricultural sector to cover seasonal spikes in labour demand.
The program is meant to be an option of last resort when an employer is not able to find local workers, but experts question why the program has grown during a period of rising unemployment.to hire 28,730 people through the low-wage stream of the temporary foreign worker program, an increase of 25 per cent from a year earlier, according to figures from Employment and Social Development Canada. It was the highest quarterly number for such approvals in government records that date to 2016.
“Given the structural inequities between temporary foreign workers and employers and their insufficient access to justice and remedies, workers experience a wide range of abuses,” the report states. The Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, an advocacy group, issued a statement Monday welcoming the UN report, saying the program should be changed to incorporate a clear pathway to permanent residence.
“The government of Canada remains committed to working with partners and stakeholders to continuously find ways to strengthen the TFWP’s integrity to enhance temporary foreign worker protections,” he said.
Program Worker Report Canada Government Slavery Abuse Stream Moncton Hamilton UN
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Vancouver Island scientists breeding oysters to resist climate changeMollusks' descendants are intended to strengthen commercial shellfish industry
Read more »
Saskatchewan lakes a hot spot for toxic algaePeter Leavitt, a professor of biology with the University of Regina, said the Prairies are a breeding ground for toxic algae. He said 40 per cent of all Saskatchewan lakes have it.
Read more »
Traffic in Liberty Village is so bad and it's only getting worseThe traffic in Liberty Village neighbourhood is a mounting issue — and it's only getting worse. For months now, Liberty Village residents and worke...
Read more »
What does Vybz Kartel's release from prison mean for dancehall music?Vybz Kartel poses for a photo backstage during MTV's Tempo network launch celebration October 16, 2005 in St. Mary, Jamaica.
Read more »
Despite moving to limit temporary immigrants, Canada’s policy lacks visionOn Tuesday Ottawa said it was considering barring certain employers from the temporary foreign worker program
Read more »
TD introduces fractional trading, Canada’s labour market stalls and Loblaw’s growing health care empire: Business and investing news for August 11Plus, Ottawa signals tougher rules for Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Read more »