<a href="https://iwc-cti.ca/news/articles-en/">Articles</a>

Aug 07

Migrant Workers: Exploited, Then Abandoned

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By Kader Belaouni In recent days, the leader of the Quebec Party made deeply troubling remarks linking immigration to crime—a familiar but dangerous strategy in the playbook of right-wing politics. This tactic is not new. It seeks to construct the image of the immigrant as a threat, laying the groundwork... Read more →
Jul 31
Jul 31
Jul 27
Jul 23
Jul 15

Scapegoating Migrants Won’t Solve a Systemic Crisis

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s call for a “very hard cap” on immigration is both misleading and harmful. Blaming newcomers for housing shortages and youth unemployment serves to distract from the real culprits: decades of neoliberal economic policy and an unregulated housing market dominated by speculative interests. The crisis is not... Read more →
Jul 09

Amnesty International Canada Urges Immediate Action to Uphold the Rights of People Seeking Safety

Seeking asylum is not a crime—it is a fundamental, internationally recognized human right. Yet, as Canada reviews its border and immigration frameworks, Amnesty International Canada is sounding the alarm: proposed changes under Bill?C?2 and entrenched policies like the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) risk stripping away the protections afforded to... Read more →
Jul 09

Review of media coverage: Amazon laid-off workers’ demonstration on Prime Day

Several media outlets covered the demonstration held in Montreal on July 8, 2025, by the Amazon Workers Committee at the Immigrant Workers Centre (IWC–CTI) and community allies. Reports from CityNews, La Presse, Le Devoir, and CBC highlighted the protesters’ demands for better protections, accountability, and concrete action from governments. On... Read more →
Jul 09
Jul 03
Jul 02

Ram Mohammad Singh Azad: The Spirit of Freedom

A historical revolutionary drama presented in association withIMMIGRANT WORKERS CENTER ARTS IN THE MARGINS CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS COMITÉ D’ACTION DE PARC EXTENSION SOUTH ASIAN DIASPORA ACTION COLLECTIVE BUREAU D’ INFORMATION DE PARC EXTENSION Experience a powerful theatrical journey into the heart of anti-colonial resistance in British-ruled India.“Ram Mohammad Singh... Read more →
Jun 23

HEATWAVES, WORKERS’ RIGHTS & RESOURCES

Means of prevention for workers - Adjust your work pace according to your acclimatization to the heat and climatic conditions (e.g.: heat, humidity, sunshine) - Take breaks (every hour, and of an appropriate length depending on the temperature) in the shade or in a cool place - Drink at least... Read more →
Jun 20
Jun 02
May 29
May 27
May 26

Chicoutimi hosts awareness evening on migrant labour issues

Chicoutimi, May 28, 2025 — This Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., the Marguerite-Tellier Hall at the Chicoutimi Library will host an evening of information and reflection on the realities faced by migrant workers in Canada. Organized in collaboration between Amnesty International Canada Francophone and the Immigrant Workers Centre (IWC-CTTI) of Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean,... Read more →
May 24
May 23

The Hidden Barriers: Employment Struggles of the Blind Community

By Kader Belaouni Despite remarkable advances in assistive technology—from sophisticated screen readers to AI-powered navigation apps—blind individuals continue to face profound employment barriers that technology alone cannot resolve. The Job Search Challenge Employment begins with inaccessible online job portals featuring image-based CAPTCHA systems and poorly coded websites that screen readers... Read more →
May 06
May 02
May 01
Apr 26

Labor Day: Between Celebration and Hardship

BY Kader Belaouni Labor Day comes this year amid harsh economic realities facing workers across various sectors. Despite the importance of celebrating this occasion that symbolizes workers' struggles throughout history, current living conditions cast a shadow over the joy of this day. Workers today face numerous challenges, particularly the continuous... Read more →
Apr 17
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Apr 10
Apr 02

Workshop Alert: Navigating Work Permit Changes in Canada

The Immigrant Workers Centre (IWC-CTI) is hosting an educational workshop to guide migrant workers through the work permit change process in Canada. This free session will clarify procedures, rights, and key steps for those seeking to modify their work permits. Details: Registration Required (Link: https://bit.ly/WorkPermitWorkshop) Exclusively for Migrant Workers Virtual Participation (Link sent upon registration) Important... Read more →
Mar 24
Mar 19

Workers’ Rights Advocates Rally Against Bill 89, Denouncing Attack on Strike Rights

Quebec City, [19 March]— The Immigrant Workers Centre (CTI-IWC) joined forces with Action Chômage de Québec and RÉPAC 03-12 this afternoon to stand in solidarity with the Conseil régional FTQ Québec et Chaudière-Appalaches (CRQCA-FTQ) in its mobilization against Bill 89. The controversial legislation has drawn sharp criticism from labor groups,... Read more →
Mar 06

WDO Hosts 2025 International Women’s Day Press Conference

Women of Diverse Origins Marks IWD 2025 with Press Conference The press conference will feature speeches from women who are leaders, organizers, and activists from various communities and groups, representing a wide range of women’s struggles and resistances worldwide. Speakers will include workers from Amazon and from the migrant and... Read more →
Feb 16
Feb 14
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Jan 22
Jan 16

Canada Tightens Open Work Permits for Families of International Students and Workers

Starting January 21, 2025, Canada will significantly limit open work permits (OWPs) for family members of international students and temporary foreign workers. Key Changes for International Students’ Families Only spouses of students in specific programs will qualify for OWPs, including: Master’s programs lasting 16+ months Doctoral programs Select professional programs... Read more →
Jan 15
Jan 15

ABOUT Women’s Committee

The TAWA Women's Committee aims to shed light on the specific issues that women with precarious immigration status face in the workplace. The Committee is fighting for the regularization of immigration status, access to healthcare, and access to justice for all. Origins of the TAWA Women's Committee   In 2014,... Read more →
Dec 19

(IWC-CTI) Amplifies Advocacy Amid Policy Changes

December 18, 2024 In response to recent immigration policy shifts in Quebec, the Immigrant Workers Center (IWC-CTI) has intensified its advocacy efforts, highlighting the challenges faced by migrant workers and temporary residents. Policy Changes and Community Response On November 3, 2024, the Quebec government announced a moratorium on two permanent... Read more →
Dec 13

Community Solidarity at Canada Post Strike Picket Line

This morning, members of the Immigrant Workers Centre joined the Canada Post workers' strike picket line in Decaria to show support for their fight for fair pay and improved working conditions. The show of solidarity comes on the heels of a federal government announcement aiming to end the weeks-long strike... Read more →
  • December 13, 2024
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Dec 09
Dec 05
Dec 01

IWC-CTI Annual Report 2023-2024

The following report covers CTTI's activities from May 1, 2023 to April 30, 2024. It presents the main activities and highlights of the past year. Two major campaigns dominated the center's agenda. The first is the ongoing campaign to regularize the status of people with no status or with a... Read more →
Nov 28
Nov 26
Nov 25
Nov 21
Nov 21
Nov 13

Standing Up for Migrant Rights in the Face of Reduced Immigration Targets

The Immigrant Workers Centre (IWC-CTI) continues to advocate for justice and dignity for migrants amidst mounting concerns over Canada's reduced immigration targets. Recent press coverage highlights the urgent challenges faced by migrant workers as policies tighten, putting countless individuals already living and working in the country in increasingly precarious situations.... Read more →
Nov 08
Nov 07
Nov 03
Sep 26

Temporary Foreign Worker Programme: Abolish the ‘closed’ permit instead of punishing the victims!

Montreal, 26 September 2024. - Faced with the entry into force of new restrictions on the Temporary Foreign Worker Programme (TFWP), 54 community, trade union, university, student and advocacy organisations and groups are protesting against the deleterious effects of the measures taken against temporary foreign workers. Instead of improving access... Read more →
Sep 24
Sep 24

Restriction affecting temporary foreign workers in Quebec

Download flyer herei: Restrictions.pdf
Sep 24
Sep 17

Quebec court gives green light to explosive class action against abusive work permits.

In a landmark victory for workers' rights, the Quebec Superior Court has approved a lawsuit denouncing the exploitative system of closed work permits in Canada. Temporary foreign workers, bound by contracts to specific employers, are fighting against conditions that trample on their most fundamental rights. Led by the Domestic and... Read more →
Sep 16

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... Read more →
Aug 13

Amazon Workers in Quebec, Victory for Union Rights!

The Quebec Labour Tribunal has ruled in favor of the union at Amazon's Lachine distribution centre, ordering Amazon to pay $30,000 in damages for obstructing union efforts in May 2023. The tribunal found that Amazon's anti-union messages, spread throughout the workplace, violated workers' rights under Quebec Labour Code. This decision... Read more →
Aug 08
Jul 25

Towards a First Collective Agreement at Amazon

Félix et Denis, Syndicat des travailleurs d'Amazon
On July 23, 2024, a historic milestone was reached for the employees of the Amazon DXT4 warehouse in Laval, Quebec. The negotiation committee of the Syndicat des travailleuses et travailleurs d'Amazon Laval–CSN presented a proposal for the first collective agreement to the employees. This initiative marks a significant milestone in... Read more →
Jul 16

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... Read more →
Jun 29
Jun 12

Revision of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program: A Human Rights Priority

Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), essential for addressing labor shortages, has significant human rights shortcomings. A recent report by Le Devoir highlights the urgent need to reform this program to prioritize human rights. Working Conditions and Workers' Rights Temporary foreign workers (TFWs) often face poor working conditions, including excessive... Read more →
May 30

Massive Anti-War Protests in Ottawa Against CANSEC 2024

On May 29, the Migrant Workers Center ( IWC-CTI) partnered with numerous community organizations across Canada to support the massive anti-war protests in Ottawa against CANSEC 2024, Canada’s largest defense and security trade show. The protests, fueled by the ongoing conflict in Palestine, targeted companies like Lockheed Martin and Boeing... Read more →
May 25
May 23
May 16

Action Alert: Demand Permanent Residency for Undocumented Workers

The time is now to hold Prime Minister Trudeau accountable to his promise of regularization – granting permanent resident status for undocumented individuals. Despite assurances from the federal government earlier this Spring, Parliament is set to go on holiday as early as June 6, leaving us with unanswered questions and... Read more →
May 07

Ensuring Fair Treatment: The Reality of Foreign Worker Programs in Canada

In a nation priding itself on fairness and inclusivity, recent revelations regarding violations within Canada's temporary foreign worker programs have sparked concern. The federal government's crackdown on nearly 200 companies for infractions ranging from wage theft to workplace abuse underscores the urgent need for greater oversight and accountability. According to... Read more →
May 06

Mayworks Festival: Celebrating Worker Victories and Cultural Solidarity

Our annual Mayworks Festival celebrates our yearly victories for our various campaigns lead by our workers councils and committees across Quebec. This year we shared the cultural stage with the International Migrants Alliance and the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines. We started the evening with presentations from... Read more →
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... Read more →
Apr 25
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Mar 18

Voices of the Immigrant Workers’ Centre

WORKSHOPS & SEMINARS In 2007, Montreal-based garment manufacturer Lamour prepared to shutter its Canadian production activities, gradually laying off nearly 500 of its employees to circumvent labour legislation that would force the company to pay collective layoff benefits. Over 2007 and 2008, Lamour workers and community organizers at the Immigrant... Read more →
Feb 29

Migrants in need of help

We are fundraising for a group of migrants that were victims of labour traffick in Canada and they were unable to leave while immigration is processing their cases. This group of workers have been mobilizing and organizing themselves since July to find solutions to what the group was living in... Read more →
Feb 29
Feb 24
Feb 07

Essential Work, Disposable Workers with Mostafa Henaway

*Le français suit. In collaboration with Fernwood Publishing, Solidarity across borders and the Immigrant Worker Centre (IWC), the Social Justice Centre presents a book panel on “Essential Work, Disposable Workers” by Mostafa Henaway at the SHIFT Centre for Social Transformation on Feb 7 from 6-8 pm. Mostafa Henaway is a former graduate fellow of... Read more →
Jan 11

IWC Annual Report 2022-2023

This activity report covers the period from May 1, 2022 to April 30, 2023. The activities described below summarize the center's involvement in a wide range of issues and situations facing workers. The number of workers coming to us, and their participation in workshops and campaigns, continues to grow. What's... Read more →
Dec 19
Dec 19

Migrants Rally on International Migrant Day, Demanding Immediate Regularization

Today on International Migrant Day, and it has been two years since Prime Minister Trudeau promised a comprehensive regularization program for undocumented migrants. Today, migrants demanded regularization! Over 150 migrants, including those who are non-status, those with precarious status, and migrant workers, delivered over 400 letters by those directly effected... Read more →
Dec 18

Undocumented immigrants don’t just live in Montreal, say Lower St. Lawrence organizations

Several organizations held a rally this Monday morning in front of the post office on rue Saint-Germain Ouest in Rimouski, to call for the abolition of temporary work permits and for a comprehensive regularization program, led by the Immigrant Workers Centre chapter of Bas Saint Laurent. "As part of International... Read more →
Dec 14
Dec 04

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),... Read more →
Dec 02

MOBILIZING FOR OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY IN WAREHOUSES

  Over recent years, the warehousing sector has experienced significant growth, and the trend was accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly thanks to the rise of e-commerce. Faced with this reality, the Groupe interuniversitaire et interdisciplinaire de recherche sur l'emploi, la pauvreté et la protection sociale (GIREPS), the Immigrant Workers... Read more →
Dec 01

MOBILIZING FOR OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY IN WAREHOUSES

MOBILIZING FOR OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY IN WAREHOUSES Over recent years, the warehousing sector has experienced significant growth, and the trend was accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly thanks to the rise of e-commerce. Faced with this reality, the Groupe interuniversitaire et interdisciplinaire de recherche sur l'emploi, la pauvreté et... Read more →
Nov 28

Public Sector Workers in Quebec Announce Another Week-long Strike Amidst Stalled Negotiations

Front Commun, Representing Over 400,000 Workers, Declares Strike from Dec. 8-14 By Taqwa Mohamed-Mahdi In a show of collective strength, hundreds of thousands of public sector workers in Quebec are gearing up for a week-long strike in December as contract negotiations with the provincial government hit an impasse. The Front... Read more →
Nov 17

Broken Promises and Exploitation of Foreign Workers in Canada

A group of foreign workers in Montreal, lured under false promises, now faces an uphill battle in obtaining work permits. Initially assured of a fast-tracked process by the federal Immigration Department, only seven out of a hundred applications were approved, prompting Ottawa to rescind its offer last week. Now, these... Read more →
Nov 06
Nov 03

Migrants made scapegoats by Quebec and Canadian immigration policies

PRESS RELEASE Migrants made scapegoats by Quebec and Canadian immigration policies Montreal, November 2, 2023. - The Quebec and Canadian governments have announced their immigration plans, specifying immigration thresholds for the coming years. Putting the thresholds on hold, while ignoring the hundreds of thousands of temporary foreign workers, asylum seekers... Read more →
Nov 02

IWC-CTI stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people

The Immigrant Workers Centre stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people The Immigrant Workers Center strongly condemns the war crimes committed by Israel against the Palestinian people in Gaza, including the unscrupulous murder of thousands of civilians and the massive deportation pressure that has caused an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. We... Read more →
Nov 01
Oct 26

“Trudeau must keep his promise”: organizations call for regularization of undocumented migrants

Some thirty Quebec community and labor organizations mobilized in Montreal, Quebec City and Rimouski on Saturday to call for a program to regularize undocumented migrants. The 38 organizations are calling for the "immediate" implementation of an "inclusive" program to regularize undocumented migrants, as well as an end to the deportation... Read more →
Oct 12
Oct 07

Two years since the adoption of PL59

Two years of workplace health and safety demolition Despite the interim regime that has been in force for 18 months, what we are seeing on the ground in workplaces is that the implementation of this reform is tedious ultimately allowing for the enforcement of the minimal obligations stipulalted for by... Read more →
Oct 05
Oct 05

Migrant workers launch campaign and class action lawsuit

The Immigrant Workers Centre (IWC) and a group of migrant workers will discuss the situation thatgave rise to a class action lawsuit that was filed this morning. The IWC and the workers aresuing a placement agency operating under the name Trésor and its client company Newrest, amultinational that provides catering... Read more →
Oct 03
Oct 01

Exploited workers

Hundreds of foreign workers, lured to Montreal by false promises, are allegedly being dangerously and illegally exploited in the factories of Newrest, a multinational food company. This is the allegation in a class-action petition filed in Superior Court today by the Immigrant Workers Centre. A Radio-Canada news report by Sophie... Read more →