The Jamaican government has cleared Canada’s Seasonal Agriculture Worker Program of allegations that it has systematic slave-like conditions, following receipt of an independent investigation. In August 2022, two Jamaicans employed under the program drew international attention after they emailed Karl Samuda, Jamaican minister of labour and social security, described the program as “systematic slavery” and […] Read more
Tag Archives temporary foreign workers — page 3
Canada cleared of seasonal agriculture worker slavery allegations
Migrant worker groups say the report lacks balance
TFW program in good shape despite PSAC strike
Concern is rippling through Canada’s agriculture sector as the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) labour disruption drags on. PSAC represents 155,000 workers, most of whom walked off the job on April 19 after failing to reach a new contract deal with their employers. PSAC members have been working without a contract since June 2021. […] Read more
Changes to TFW program to expand worker availability
Workplace LMIAs now valid for 18 months
The federal government is boosting the availability of temporary foreign workers (TFWs) to ag and other understaffed sectors under a list of policy changes announced Monday. Employment and Workforce Development Minister Carla Qualtrough announced what’s called the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program Workforce Solutions Road Map, which the government said “marks the next step in […] Read more
Resource-rich Canada grapples with key labour issues
From agriculture to the oilpatch, lack of labour is driving up wages
Canada’s economic recovery from the pandemic is being hampered by labour shortages across industries ranging from energy to aviation to agriculture, forcing companies to consider multiple salary hikes and offer other perks. Statistics Canada data Nov. 5 showed the national unemployment rate hit a 20-month low in October. The shortage of skilled and unskilled workers […] Read more
Feds halt funds to offset TFW quarantine costs
Agriculture organizations wanted extension to end of season
Producers will bear the total cost of quarantining temporary foreign workers (TFWs) and seasonal workers in Ontario after Aug. 31. “As long as the quarantine act is in place, we expected the funding to be in place,” said Bill George, chair of the Ontario Fruits and Vegetable Growers’ Association (OFVGA). “And it’s going to affect […] Read more
Free COVID-19 course available for foreign workers, employers
Guides available in English, French and Spanish
An online course is being launched to help producers and international farm workers protect themselves from COVID-19. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) is offering the free guide in English, French and Spanish. Participants will learn methods of preventing the spread of COVID-19, which has caused deaths and illnesses on Canadian farms […] Read more
Opinion: Farmers, workers deserve better
The company given the task of managing coronavirus tests for travellers entering Canada continues to cause headaches for farmers and the international workers they employ. Switch Health is managing the initial tests being given to travellers within 24 hours of entering Canada, and the second test given several days later. International farm workers and others […] Read more
Testing delays prevent TFWs from getting to work
Lost tests and longer-than expected results create farmer and worker stress
[UPDATED: May 13, 2021] The road to getting Temporary Foreign Workers from their flight to the field is fraught with COVID-19 challenges this season. Workers arriving at Pearson International Airport are offered a COVID-19 vaccine and receive the first of a two-step remote COVID-19 swab test. Why it matters: Producers depend on temporary foreign workers […] Read more
Vaccinations come to Ontario farm country
The local health unit interpretation of provincial guidelines determines local access
The agriculture sector isn’t needling the province to organize vaccine clinics for workers. Many employers are stepping up to make sure it gets done. Agriculture sector workers, including those in processing, temporary foreign workers (TFWs) and those in food production, including farmers, were eligible for Phase Two pre-registration in early March. By mid-April, many still […] Read more
Opinion: Ottawa needs to better communicate TFW strategy
Provincial information isn’t always aligned
Ottawa is right to ensure temporary foreign workers will be able to arrive in Canada despite stricter travel restrictions due to COVID-19. However, it must do a better job of getting all the provinces on board. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Jan. 29 flights to and from sunny destinations will be suspended, but federal […] Read more
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