In a recent interview, Jill Hanley, Vice President of the Montreal-based Immigrant Workers Centre, shed light on the challenges faced by migrant workers in Canada, particularly in light of the country’s evolving policies regarding temporary foreign workers. As Canada prepares to implement new rules aimed at scaling back temporary foreign workers, Hanley underscores the importance of understanding the human impact of such decisions.
Hanley’s work brings her face-to-face with migrant workers from various sectors, including caregivers, construction workers, and truck drivers in Quebec. She emphasizes the perpetual cloud of uncertainty hovering over these individuals, complicating their ability to plan for the future. From uncertain reunion dates with their families to the challenges of basic tasks like signing a lease, migrant workers find themselves trapped in a limbo, feeling disconnected from their communities.
Canada’s decision to reduce the percentage of low-wage foreign workers that companies can hire, coupled with its broader plan to decrease the number of temporary residents by 2027, has sparked concerns among advocates and experts. Critics argue that these changes could exacerbate existing issues within the program without addressing fundamental flaws. Hanley highlights the plight of workers with closed permits who may feel compelled to endure unsafe or unhealthy working conditions due to limited options and the need to repay debts incurred during their journey to Canada.
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