Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker Program Under Scrutiny Amid U.N. Report

Canada's immigration minister has called for reforms to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program following a U.N. report labeling it a breeding ground for modern slavery. The program aims to address labor shortages but has been criticized for suppressing wages and exposing workers to abuse, including wage theft and emotional mistreatment.

Canada's immigration minister announced the need for reforms to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program after a U.N. report described it as a breeding ground for modern slavery. The program, initially aimed at filling labor shortages, has grown significantly but faces criticism for suppressing wages and leaving workers vulnerable to abuse.

Economist Mike Moffatt emphasized the wage suppression issue, suggesting the termination of the low-wage stream. The UN report cited problems like underpayment, wage theft, and abuse, along with healthcare access issues. Despite calls for reducing temporary residents, the report advised a pathway to permanent residence to mitigate workers' precarity.

Immigration Minister Marc Miller acknowledged the abuses but criticized the slavery characterization. He emphasized planned measures to reduce temporary immigration amid a housing and affordability crisis, aiming to curb the rising anti-immigrant sentiment in Canada.

(With inputs from agencies.)