Canada’s migrant labour infrastructure is failing workers and the employers who depend on them, a Senate committee has found. A new Migrant Work Commission is necessary to spearhead reforms that are in the interests of migrant workers, employers and all Canadians.

On Tuesday, May 21, 2024, the Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology released its report on Canada’s temporary and migrant labour force, Act Now: Solutions for temporary and migrant labour in Canada. Over the course of its study, which began in November 2022, the committee heard evidence from workers, employers, labour unions, academics, policy experts and government officials. Committee members also undertook a fact-finding mission to New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island that underscored just how essential migrant labour is to many Canadian enterprises.

Many low-wage migrant workers who help sustain agriculture, caregiving and tourism sectors — among others — come to Canada through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Under this program, workers receive what is known as a closed or tied permit that requires them to work for specific employers. This makes them more vulnerable to abuse at the hands of bad actors. Well-intentioned employers are also disadvantaged, however, as they have limited to no flexibility to move workers where needed, to staff higher-skilled occupations and to recognize good work with promotions.

Meanwhile, 50 years of piecemeal change has created a labyrinth of programs, streams and pathways to temporary and permanent work, with different levels of government and departments duplicating and complicating efforts. This is confusing for workers and employers, and costly to Canadian taxpayers.

The report makes six recommendations to create a fairer and more equitable system that protects workers and allows Canadian enterprises to thrive. The creation of a Migrant Work Commission would provide the leadership needed to create such a system and, as such, it is the report’s top recommendation. Other recommendations include phasing out employer-specific work permits, exploring sector- or region-specific work permits, and reforming lax enforcement and compliance measures.

“Canada’s migrant labour system is not up to the task,” said Senator Ratna Omidvar, chair of the committee. “ Itdoes not protect workers, it’s unwieldy for employers and it is inefficiently administered. We need long-term solutions to address the many shortcomings of the current system. Our study shows what needs to be done — it is up to the government to act now.”

Source:  Senate of Canada May 21, 2024 news release