“Government of Canada strengthens protections for temporary foreign workers as new regulations come into force”

Summary of Article

On September 26, 2022, the Canadian Government announced the enforcement of 13 new regulatory amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations specifically concerning Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs). These measures, introduced by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough, and the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Sean Fraser, are aimed at strengthening the protections for TFWs.

Key provisions include:

• Employers must educate TFWs about their rights in Canada.
• Retribution against TFWs who lodge complaints is prohibited.
• Charging recruitment fees to workers is forbidden.
• Employers must ensure access to health care services and provide private health insurance if required.
• More stringent inspection tools and mandatory training will be introduced, and a dedicated tip line service will allow workers to report program abuse.
• Employers that don’t comply can face suspension of their Labour Market Impact Assessments.
  

The government emphasizes that these rules will enhance transparency and ensure TFWs are treated with respect and dignity. The announcement aligns with ongoing initiatives, such as the TFW Program Ministerial Consultative Roundtable. The amendments were initially published in the Canada Gazette, and after feedback from stakeholders, the final regulations were put into effect.

Link to article: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/news/2022/09/government-of-canada-strengthens-protections-for-temporary-foreign-workers-as-new-regulations-come-into-force.html