Canadian Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino has called for reform of the country’s temporary worker program, citing the need for better protections and pathways to permanent residency for these workers.
In an interview with CTV News, Mendicino acknowledged the important role that temporary workers play in Canada’s economy, particularly in industries such as agriculture, hospitality, and caregiving. However, he also recognized the vulnerabilities that these workers face, including exploitation and difficulty in obtaining permanent residency.
Mendicino stated that the current system, which allows employers to bring in temporary workers for specific jobs, needs to be reformed to provide more stability and security for these workers. He emphasized the need for stronger enforcement of labor laws and regulations to prevent exploitation and ensure fair treatment for temporary workers.
The minister also highlighted the importance of creating pathways to permanent residency for temporary workers, stating that they should not be seen as disposable labor but rather as valuable contributors to Canadian society. He noted that the government is exploring options to make it easier for temporary workers to transition to permanent residency, including through the recently announced pathway for essential workers and international graduates.
Mendicino’s call for reform comes as the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the vulnerabilities of temporary workers, many of whom have been on the frontlines of essential work during the crisis. The minister acknowledged that the pandemic has highlighted the need for a more resilient and fair immigration system that values the contributions of all workers.
The Canadian government has already taken steps towards reform, including increasing the number of permanent residency spots for temporary foreign workers and launching a pilot program to provide open work permits to vulnerable workers who are facing abuse or have lost their jobs due to COVID-19.
Mendicino’s call for reform has been welcomed by labor and immigration advocates, who have long been pushing for better protections and pathways to permanent residency for temporary workers. They hope that the government will take swift action to address the issues facing these workers and create a more fair and equitable immigration system.
In conclusion, Canadian Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino has recognized the need for reform of the temporary worker program and is committed to creating a more fair and secure system for these workers. With the government’s actions and ongoing efforts, it is hoped that temporary workers will be better protected and have more opportunities to become permanent residents in Canada.
