Immigration.ca - Canada Immigration News - August 2010
The Canadian government has announced that it will begin implementation of changes to the country�s Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
�The government is taking action to protect temporary foreign workers, including live-in caregivers, from potential abuse and exploitation,� said Immigration Minister Jason Kenney upon announcing the changes. �We owe it to them, their employers and all Canadians to ensure that the program is fair and equitable. After all, they are an essential element of Canada�s economic success.�
The changes to the program include more meticulous examinations of job offers, and the employers offering the work, with more extensive investigations into the company�s history and compliance to regulations. Employers found in violation of terms will be monitored more strictly and possibly be prohibited from hiring foreign workers for a two-year period.
Last year controversy over Canada�s Temporary Foreign Worker program erupted after several stories broke in the media regarding alleged exploitations of worker rights, from crews in Alberta�s Oilsands to live-in caregivers. Consequently, the government announced that it would assess and amend the program to ensure that workers are protected.
However, after the changes were proposed, critics voiced concern, saying that the punishments for violating employers were not harsh enough. Some even pushed for residency status upon arrival for live-in caregivers.
Despite the criticism, the government will implement their changes as of April next year.
Sources: Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Globe and Mail
