International news 16 August 2024

Response to the UN Report on Temporary Foreign Workers: Our Perspective

A biased report that does not reflect the reality of Canadian employers

Recently, a report issued by the United Nations Special Rapporteur, Tomoya Obokata, caused a stir by describing Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) as a «fertile ground» for forms of modern slavery. This report, dated July 22nd, criticizes closed work permits and calls for their elimination, recommending that all migrant workers have access to permanent residency upon their arrival in Canada.

However, we firmly believe that this report does not reflect the reality experienced by the majority of Canadian employers and temporary foreign workers themselves. Anthony Chiasson-Leblanc, co-founder of Equinox World and a regulated immigration consultant, expressed our deep disagreement with the conclusions of this report in an
article published by Le Devoir.

The benefits of closed work permits for workers and employers

The UN rapporteur highlights certain cases of abuse and exploitation, but it is important to put these accounts in context. The principle of a closed work permit, tied to a single employer, is a common practice in several countries, and in Canada, it is designed to offer stability to both employers and workers.

Anthony Chiasson-Leblanc emphasizes that employers who use the TFWP care deeply about the well-being of their workers. Not only do these employers comply with current regulations, but many go above and beyond to ensure fair and safe working conditions. Moreover, these permits allow employers to invest in recruiting and relocating workers, which would be compromised if the permits were open.

An opportunity to escape poverty for temporary foreign workers

We represent over 1,000 foreign workers across various sectors, including landscaping, construction, and manufacturing. For the majority of these workers, the TFWP is a unique opportunity to improve their quality of life and that of their families. These workers see this experience not as a form of exploitation but as a chance to escape a precarious situation and poverty.

Refuting the accusation of modern slavery

The term «modern slavery» used by the UN rapporteur is not only exaggerated but also offensive to the employers and workers who benefit from the TFWP. As Karl Blackburn, President of the Quebec Employers’ Council, pointed out, this term tarnishes the reputation of Canadian employers who respect the law and, in general, are grateful for
temporary foreign workers.

It is undeniable that some employers do not comply with the rules and exploit workers. These cases, while real, are fortunately a minority. We firmly believe that these employers should be severely sanctioned and banned from the program to protect the integrity of the TFWP and ensure fair working conditions for all.

We remain convinced that the TFWP, as it is currently structured, is beneficial for both Canadian employers and temporary foreign workers. Adjustments can and should be made to improve the program, but the conclusions drawn in the UN report are disproportionate and do not reflect the reality on the ground. We will continue to work to provide foreign workers with a positive and enriching experience in Canada while supporting strict sanctions against those who do not comply with the rules.