Quebec, a part of Canada, has temporarily stopped allowing new temporary foreign workers for low-paying jobs in Montreal.
This decision begins in September. For six months, jobs paying less than $27.47 per hour won’t accept new foreign worker applications, says a report by TravelBiz.
However, not all job sectors are affected. Construction, farming, food processing, schools, and social services can still hire foreign workers.
Understanding The Program
Canada has a program called the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). This program helps employers get foreign workers for a short time to fill job shortages. It’s used in industries like farming, building, and services, where there aren’t enough local workers.
Recently, the TFWP has come under scrutiny. There is a rise in low-wage jobs, like fast-food, and the United Nations has raised concerns about exploitation. They said the program could lead to modern-day slavery.
Problems in the TFWP include:
- Not getting paid enough or at all
- Physical, emotional, and verbal abuse
- Long working hours with few breaks
- Taking away personal documents
- Reducing work hours without notice
- Sexual harassment and abuse of female workers
While workers can apply for an open work permit to change jobs, the process is hard and many can’t do it.
What You Should Know
Reports show that in early 2024, there was a 25% increase in approved low-wage jobs under the TFWP, with approvals reaching 28,730. This was due to demands from businesses needing workers after the pandemic.
Quebec’s pause on low-wage foreign workers in Montreal shows concerns about the TFWP. With abuse and exploitation on the rise, the future of the program is in question.
This pause in Quebec highlights the need to rethink and improve the TFWP. The increase in low-wage job approvals and reports of abuse mean the world is watching for changes and improvements to this program.