May 02

Canada is scaling back temporary foreign workers. Critics say the program needs an overhaul

 

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.

Related Posts

Quebec Court Greenlights Explosive Class Action Against Abusive Work Permits

In a historic win for workers' rights, Quebec’s Superior Court has approved a lawsuit exposing Canada’s exploitative system of closed work permits. Temporary foreign workers, trapped under contracts with specific employers, are fighting back against conditions that trample on their most basic rights. Led by the Association for the Rights of Domestic and Agricultural Workers, the case alleges rampant violations of the Charter, including widespread abuse, underpayment, and harassment. This... Read more →

Quebec strengthens measures to reduce accidents among foreign workers

In response to the increase in workplace accidents involving foreign workers, the Quebec government has recently announced additional funding to improve their safety at work. This initiative aims to enhance preventive measures and provide increased support to these vulnerable workers. According to statistics, the number of foreign workers injured on the job is constantly increasing. In response, Quebec is seeking solutions to improve the working conditions of these temporary employees,... Read more →

Media Coverage Highlights Critical Report on Dollarama and Amazon Warehouses in Montreal

In an exclusive study, researchers shed light on the challenging working conditions within the Montreal warehouses of Dollarama and Amazon. This report, conducted by the Interuniversity and Interdisciplinary Research Group on Employment, Poverty, and Social Protection (GIREPS), the Center for Immigrant Workers (CTTI), and the Association of Agency Workers (ATTAP), presents a disconcerting portrayal of the labor landscape in these major retail warehouses. You can read this coverage here: Dollarama... Read more →

Mera Laung Gwacha: Empowering Immigrant Communities

The play, Mera Laung Gwacha, was performed in Park Extension’s William Hingston Community Centre on the 4th of November, 2023. To promote the play, we advertised around the neighborhood as well as regularly on the radio and did a half-hour interview on the local radio station, Humsafar. Our team of mostly amateur actors practiced for months to prepare, and the play was a resounding success. The actors were phenomenal in... Read more →