Canada increases efforts to boost a $48 million campaign aimed at preventing Canada Foreign Workers from being scammed.
The Canadian federal government has continued to escalate the crackdown on employers who breach the TFWP rules with $2. 1 million in AMPs in 2023.
Thus, the role of the TFW Programme in Canada continues to be essential in meeting labour and skill demands where Canadians and permanent residents do not apply. The programme is implemented by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to make sure that temporary foreign workers are safeguarded during their stay in the country, as the government stated.
In the previous financial year, ESDC facilitated 2,122 inspections in the TFW programme, and only 94% of employers were non-compliant. However, non-compliant employers had $2.1 million in AMPs, which represents an increase of 36% over the previous fiscal year. Also, there was an increase in the number of employers that were barred from the programme, from seven in the previous year to twelve this year. Those that fail to implement the changes are displayed on the IRCC website for the public to see.
Notable violations included:
A food service employer is to be given a $152,000 fine and is to serve a two-year ban for unjust hiring practices and an unfavourable working environment.
An employer in the agriculture sector was penalised $46,000 and prohibited for five years from providing employment for violations of document submission and false job descriptions.
A transport sector employer was ordered to pay a penalty of $135 000 and a disqualification for a period of 10 years for failure to provide and ensure an environment free from abuse and/or to provide necessary documents.
To improve the employer compliance regime, the Canadian government has set aside $48 million for two years, beginning in 2023-2024. This funding is used to hire more inspectors, sustain a worker protection tip line, contact and educate employers and consulates, and put into action fast response programmes related to any emergent worker safety issues.
The TFW Programme’s compliance inspections are intended to identify whether requirements of the programme are being met and whether consequences for non-compliance can affect worker safety, wages, and working conditions. AMPs and programme bans can be imposed for violations that fall under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR).
A confidential tip line with round-the-clock service and multilingual live agents during extended hours aids workers in reporting abuse or mistreatment. An online feature is also provided for reporting suspected abuse or programme misuse.
This partnership remains active to enhance the programme and ensure temporary foreign workers in Canada are protected.