Canada: Quebec Halts Entry of Low-Wage Temporary Foreign Workers in Montreal

Quebec has temporarily paused the entry of new temporary foreign workers for low-wage positions in Montreal, Canada. This decision, effective from September 3, will halt applications for jobs paying less than $27.47 per hour for six months.

The decision comes after a United Nations report labelled Canada’s temporary foreign worker program as a “breeding ground for contemporary forms of slavery.”

Sectors Exempt from the Suspension

• Construction
• Agriculture
• Food Processing
• Education
• Social Services

The suspension does not affect these industries, allowing them to continue hiring foreign workers as needed.

Also Read: Canada Implements Changes to Temporary Foreign Worker Program

Concerns Over Temporary Foreign Worker Program

This move follows a report by UN investigator Tomoya Obokata, which criticized Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Obokata’s report, published on July 22, labelled the program a “breeding ground for contemporary forms of slavery.”

The report emphasized the power imbalances favouring employers, which restrict workers from asserting their rights.

Understanding Canada’s TFWP

Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers temporarily to fill labour shortages in various sectors. The program is particularly used in agriculture, construction, and service industries, helping businesses meet demand when local labour is unavailable.

Historical Context and Current Scrutiny

The TFWP has long been a tool for Canadian businesses, particularly in agriculture, to meet seasonal labour demands. However, the program is now under renewed scrutiny due to a significant increase in low-wage positions, such as fast-food attendants.

First Quarter of 2024: Government approvals for low-wage workers under the TFWP surged to 28,730, a 25% increase compared to the previous year.

COVID-19 Impact: The rise in approvals followed business group demands for labour solutions during acute shortages post-pandemic.

Report Highlights Abuse and Injustice

The UN report highlighted severe issues within the TFWP, including:

• Underpayment and wage theft
• Physical, emotional, and verbal abuse
• Excessive work hours with limited breaks
• Confiscation of personal documents
• Arbitrary reductions in working hours
• Sexual harassment and exploitation of female workers

While the program offers the option to apply for an open work permit, the report noted that the complexity of the process makes it unrealistic for many workers.

Growth in Low-Wage Stream

The low-wage stream of the temporary foreign worker program has seen a significant increase in recent years. In the first quarter of 2024, employers received government approval to hire 28,730 people through this stream, a 25% increase from the previous year.

Conclusion

Quebec’s suspension of low-wage foreign worker entries in Montreal reflects growing concerns about the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. With mounting evidence of abuse and exploitation, the future of the program remains uncertain as scrutiny intensifies.