Ottawa loosens restrictions on temporary foreign workers
The federal government is allowing Canadian employers to hire significantly more temporary foreign workers as part of changes to its immigration rules, a move aimed at easing labour shortages that have aggravated businesses during the recovery from the pandemic.
The government is also planning to remove a cap on the number of low-wage positions that employers in seasonal industries, such as fish and seafood processing, can fill through the program. Employers will now be able to keep TFWs in these positions for 270 days, instead of the current 180 days. Canadian employers were recruiting for roughly 915,000 positions in the fourth quarter of 2021, an increase of 80 per cent over the number of openings two years prior, according to Statistics Canada. In December, the labour need was particularly acute in three industries, each of which had more than 100,000 open positions: accommodation and food services, retail, and health care and social assistance.
TFWs are allowed into Canada on temporary visas, and they usually face legal restrictions on where they can work and the types of labour they can perform. A TFW can try to gain permanent residency in Canada, but those who aren’t granted permanent status are required to leave the country when their visas expire.
For decades, the TFW program has been a focal point of criticism in Canada’s immigration system. Its opponents have said it is overused by companies looking to drive down labour costs. Another frequent criticism is that the program allows employers to exploit migrant workers. “This is very concerning. When workers come into this country tied to an employer, it completely limits their ability to speak up about any unfair labour practices or health issues,” said Deena Ladd, executive director of the Workers’ Action Centre, a labour advocacy group.
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.
Review: Garth Drabinsky’s new Broadway musical Paradise Square shows an old producer can learn new tricksGarth Drabinsky’s new Broadway musical Paradise Square shows an old producer can learn new tricks
Read more »
Amazon’s new union in New York demands company start bargaining in MayAmazon Labor Union says company should cease any changes to employment terms at their warehouse in the interim
Read more »
Russia faces growing outrage amid new evidence of new Ukraine atrocitiesRussia faced a fresh wave of condemnation on Monday after evidence emerged of what appeared to be deliberate killings of civilians in Ukraine. Some Western leaders called for further sanctions in response to the alleged atrocities, even as Moscow continued to press its offensive in the country's east.
Read more »
Ottawa loosens restrictions on temporary foreign workers to help employers with labour shortagesBut labour advocates say the changes won\u0027t fix a fundamental flaw in the program that has left TFWs vulnerable to exploitation and abuse
Read more »
Woman involved in horse accident at Ottawa protest was ‘not seriously’ hurt: watchdog | Globalnews.caThe Special Investigation Unit said a 49-year-old protester was not injured seriously enough by a police horse at the so-called 'freedom convoy' protest to warrant a probe.
Read more »