Introduction

In a poignant revelation of the challenges faced by temporary foreign workers in Canada, Hichem Nasri, a 29-year-old from Tunisia, describes his experience as a “year from hell.” After spending over 14 months working various cleaning jobs across the country, Nasri has decided to return to Tunisia, disillusioned and frustrated by the systemic issues he encountered.

Initial Experience in Canada

Nasri’s journey began when he moved to Canada in September 2023, armed with a two-year closed work permit to serve as a cleaner for Bilodeau Transport, a poultry transportation company in Quebec City. However, just days into his job, he was redirected to work as a truck signalman—an unfamiliar position for which he received no training or preparation. Despite being hired as a cleaner, he found himself navigating a challenging work environment at Exceldor, a food-processing facility. “I felt like I was reduced to an object, not regarded as a human being,” Nasri lamented.

Hardships Faced

Throughout his tenure, Nasri encountered numerous hardships, including delayed wages, harassment from coworkers, and a lack of support from management. His struggles reached a turning point when he sustained a knee injury on the job. Despite doctor recommendations for medical leave, he reported that Bilodeau Transport refused to grant him time off, forcing him to work while injured.

Seeking Help

In November 2023, after seeking assistance from Quebec migrant advocacy group Alpha Bellechasse, Nasri applied for an open work permit designed for workers who have experienced abuse. He was approved, allowing him to leave Bilodeau and try to forge a better path in Canada. However, his subsequent employment experiences were also fraught with problems. He took on additional cleaning jobs in hopes of securing a long-term position with the dream of bringing his family to Canada.

New Employment Challenges

The situation worsened when Nasri applied for a cleaning position at a Canadian Tire store in Sherwood Park, Edmonton. The recruitment company he approached demanded payment of $6,500 to assist in obtaining a new closed work permit—an outrageous fee in light of industry standards. Nasri eventually began working at Canadian Tire under an open work permit but soon faced new challenges: inconsistency in his paychecks and long waits for his wages. Despite his best efforts to communicate with management, he often found himself struggling to receive timely payments.

Return to Tunisia

Exhausted and disheartened, Nasri decided to put family first and returned to Tunisia in late 2024. “What’s the point of all this?” he questioned. “I have a wife and a three-year-old daughter. Right now, I just want to be with them.”

Conclusion

His story highlights a growing concern for the welfare of temporary foreign workers in Canada, as many face similar issues of exploitation and mistreatment. The Temporary Foreign Worker Program has come under scrutiny for creating an environment ripe for abuses, often making workers feel like disposable commodities. While the Canadian government has introduced new restrictions to this program in an attempt to address these concerns, the reality for workers like Nasri remains complex and troubling.

The plight of temporary foreign workers in Canada underscores the urgent need for systemic reform to protect their rights and ensure they are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. Will the government take notice and make the necessary changes before more workers are forced to abandon their dreams? The spotlight is on, and the call for action is louder than ever.