OTTAWA — In a bold move, a parliamentary committee is calling for significant reforms in the way the federal government manages permits for temporary workers.

This action follows a revealing UN report that condemned the current system as a “breeding ground for contemporary forms of slavery.” The report was made public on Wednesday by the citizenship and immigration committee, which is advocating for a transition to a permit system that grants temporary workers the flexibility to seek employment across specific regions or sectors.

Current Issues with Closed Permits

Currently, a significant number of temporary workers in Canada are bound by what are known as closed permits, which tie them exclusively to one employer. This restrictive arrangement has been flagged by the committee as a catalyst for exploitation and abuse, leaving many workers vulnerable to maltreatment without the option to seek better conditions or pay.

NDP MPs' Initiative

NDP MPs Jenny Kwan and Matthew Green are spearheading an initiative to push the government to take immediate action by allowing open work permits for all temporary workers. Kwan stressed the dire situation many workers face: “When you are tethered to just one employer, you are completely at their mercy. No matter the form of mistreatment—whether it’s wage theft, harassment, or even violence—workers are compelled to endure it.”

Recommendations and Findings

The committee's report also put forth additional recommendations, including increasing the frequency of unexpected, on-site workplace inspections, and creating more permanent residency pathways for low-wage and agricultural workers. Alarmingly, it revealed that over half of all workplace inspections are conducted virtually, an approach that may not adequately address the realities on the ground. The last fiscal year saw a staggering 36 percent rise in non-compliance among employers, resulting in penalties exceeding $2 million.

Expert Opinions

Senior researcher Elizabeth Kwan from the Canadian Labour Congress, who provided expert testimony during the hearings, commented on the need for more comprehensive changes. She criticized the current system, arguing that it discourages employers from enhancing job quality and fosters ongoing reliance on underpaid and vulnerable workers.

Upcoming Regulatory Changes

As part of the government's ongoing efforts to reshape the temporary worker program, new regulations aimed at tightening employer access to applications for temporary workers will go into effect this Friday. These changes raise the minimum wage threshold for high-wage applications to 20 percent above the prevailing provincial or territorial rates.

Government Response

Immigration Minister Marc Miller's office has acknowledged the committee's report, with spokesperson Renée Proctor indicating that the government intends to respond within the stipulated 120 days. Proctor further stated that officials are exploring new sectoral permits designed to enhance the effectiveness of the system for both temporary foreign workers and their employers.

Conclusion

The call for open work permits is a critical step towards safeguarding the rights and dignity of temporary workers in Canada, many of whom are undeniably at risk of exploitation without meaningful legislative intervention. Stay tuned as this story develops, and prepare to see how the government will respond to calls for reform that could reshape the landscape for temporary workers entirely!