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Front Burner

Cracks in Canada’s temporary foreign worker program

Aug 16, 2024
23:45
Snipd AI
Randy Boissonnault, the Liberal Employment Minister, discusses the pressing issues surrounding Canada's temporary foreign worker program. He considers reforms in response to concerns about exploitation and wage suppression. The program's expansion since the pandemic has led to significant labor market impacts, particularly in food and retail sectors. Economist Armine Yalnizyan highlights the struggles faced by migrant workers, including rights violations and threats to job security for Canadian youth, emphasizing the urgent need for policy changes.
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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The temporary foreign worker program in Canada has been criticized for potentially exploiting migrants, leading to calls for urgent reforms and better protections.
  • Concerns about wage suppression and labor market dynamics highlight the need for improved wages and conditions to attract Canadian workers.

Deep dives

Concerns Over Temporary Foreign Worker Program

Canada's temporary foreign worker program has faced criticism for potentially exploiting migrants and affecting wage levels. A significant increase in the hiring of temporary foreign workers, particularly in low-wage sectors like hospitality and agriculture, has raised alarms about wage suppression and poor working conditions. Advocates argue that many of these workers experience wage theft and are often tied to a single employer, which limits their ability to report abuses. The UN has labeled this program as a breeding ground for modern slavery, highlighting the urgent need for reform and better protections for workers.

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