Saskatchewan strengthens Temporary Foreign Worker protection

Last week, the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan announced they have signed an agreement to help protect temporary foreign workers from exploitation and abuse.

To ensure the integrity of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, the province and the federal government will share information in an effort to guarantee provincial labour standards are enforced and that immigrants and temporary foreign workers are protected.

According to Rob Norris, the minister responsible for immigration in Saskatchewan, this agreement is in keeping with Saskatchewan’s aim to be a great place to work and live for newcomers and temporary foreign workers.

“Our priority is to ensure that the rights and well-being of all Saskatchewan workers are upheld and protected, including newcomers and temporary foreign workers,” said Norris.

“All foreign workers in Canada have the same rights and protections as Canadians, and our government is committed to the integrity of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program,” said Ed Komarnicki, Parliamentary Secretary to Canada’s Human Resources and Skills Development Minister, Diane Finley.

Saskatchewan has already introduced measures to protect immigrants and temporary workers and help them address issues they may face in the workplace. Additionally, the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program instituted a Code of Conduct and Applicant Declaration form, which lays out the minimum standards immigration representatives must abide by and ensures that applicants to the Program are aware of their representative’s responsibilities.

The Canadian government already has similar agreements in place with the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and Manitoba.