The Government of Canada commits itself to protecting Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) during their stay in Canada. The government announces concrete measures to protect and support TFWs.
Hon. Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion and Hon. Sean Fraser, Minister of the IRCC, made announcements to this effect. The 13 new amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) comprise measures to reinforce Temporary Foreign Workers’ protection.
The amendments also boost the integrity of the IRCC’s TFW Program and International Mobility Program. The following protection provisions focus on preventing mistreatment and abuse of Temporary Foreign Workers.
- Employers must inform the Temporary Foreign Workers about their rights in Canada.
- Employers to enable TFWs with reasonable access to healthcare services and private health insurance.
- Employers must not take retaliatory action against TFWs complaining complain about issues.
- No employers should charge recruitment fees to Temporary Foreign Workers
- Temporary Foreign Workers should not be accountable for the recruiter’s actions
The new regulations can prevent the participation of bad actors in the Temporary Foreign Worker program. Employers not complying with the rules are liable for relevant punitive measures.
Suspension of the new Labor Market Impact Assessments by Employment and Social Development Canada is likely if an employer is risking the health and safety of a TFW by not complying with the regulations.
The new amendments to the IRPR will enhance the transparency of TFW program requirements and conditions besides improving employer awareness about the TFW program’s rules and responsibilities.
