New amendments to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program pledge to secure worker’s rights besides enhancing workplace safety
The recent announcement by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) proposes amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. These 13 amendments cover Temporary Foreign Workers in Canada and aim to boost the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
According to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), the following aspects of the regulations will prevent the abuse and mistreatment of Temporary Foreign Workers.
- Employers must share information with all TFWs about their rights
- Prohibition of reprisals against employees
- Prohibiting the practice of charging recruitment fees
The new amendments will fix the responsibility of providing access to healthcare services to employees on employers. Whenever necessary, employers must provide health insurance to employees.
The amendments aim at acting as a deterrent for violators of regulations besides improving the program’s ability for workplace inspections and enforcement of rules.
There is a probability of bad actors facing the prospect of suspending new LMIAs if the ESDC detects noncompliance with the regulations. Temporary Foreign Workers in Canada are eligible to enjoy the same rights as workers who are permanent residents and Canadian citizens. Employers have a legal binding to provide freedom from reprisals and a safe working environment.
