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Future of Work

A curated resource of recent research on trends shaping Canada's labor market.

Act now: Solutions for temporary and migrant labour in Canada

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Key Takeaway
Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program needs immediate reform to address ethical concerns and streamline support for workers and employers.

 

According to a recent Senate report, Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) needs significant updates to ensure its long-term efficacy.  

Despite being a heavily relied-upon source for seasonal employees from abroad, the program has faced numerous doubts about its ability to support employers and protect workers.  

On the employer side, even good actors face red tape and a lack of coordination among stakeholders at every level of government. Meanwhile, employees are frustrated by work permits that inadvertently tie them to a single employer, even in the face of precarious working conditions. As a result, workers face power imbalances and a heightened risk of human rights abuses.  

The Senate has recommended establishing a Migrant Work Commission that would oversee the program and serve as a “one-stop shop, both for migrants requiring support to assert their rights and for employers trying to navigate TFWP processes.  

While some advocates welcome the proposed changes, there are concerns that the Senate is missing a critical opportunity to address structural issues within the program and call for an overhaul.  

The proposed commission would feature two commissioners—one for employers and another for workers—as well as representatives from Employment and Social Development Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to provide national oversight. Both ministries have 120 days to respond to the Senate’s recommendations. 

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March, 2024 | The Daily
Key Takeaway: Educational attainment levels among racialized immigrants in Canada rose significantly from 2006 to 2021. This change was likely supported by immigration policies focused on meeting labour market demands.
New
May, 2024 | The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology
Key Takeaway: Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program needs immediate reform to address ethical concerns and streamline support for workers and employers.
New
June, 2024 | The Daily
Key Takeaway: Statistics Canada’s 2023 to 2073 projections of Canada’s population predict significant growth (driven by immigration) and highlight the impact of aging demographics across the provinces and territories.
New
May, 2024 | Vasavithasan, S.
Key Takeaway: Inclusive practices are critical to preparing job postings that will be effective for integrating immigrants and marginalized groups into the Canadian labour market.
New
June, 2024 | Lu, Y., & Hou, F.
Key Takeaway: For certain cohorts of foreign workers in Canada, the rate of transition from work permit holder to permanent resident has increased. However, the change isn’t consistent across work permit programs—in fact, the disparities are significant.
March, 2024 | Richardson, B. & Leach, C.
Key Takeaway: To address long-term economic challenges and labour shortages, Canada must update its immigration policies to prioritize and support economic immigrants and international students and to streamline credential recognition.
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