The Canadian Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology recently released a report advocating significant improvements to the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) programs, specifically addressing the needs of the agriculture sector.
The report's release was met with approval from The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (OFVGA), who have long sought changes to these programs to better support both workers and employers.
The report criticizes the existing system as inefficient, serving neither the temporary workers nor the employers adequately. It proposes six key recommendations, with the primary suggestion being the establishment of an independent migrant worker commission.
This commission would centralize services and simplify the current complicated arrangement involving multiple departments and ministries. Such centralization is expected to significantly improve the delivery of services to all parties involved.
Bill George, OFVGA Chair of the Labour Committee, expressed strong support for the proposed changes. “The proposed commission with centralized services is in line with what fruit and vegetable growers have long been asking for – the creation of a one-stop shop for more efficient delivery of TFW services for both employers and workers,”
“Mistreatment of workers is unacceptable and as an industry, we have long been committed to the continuous improvement of Canada’s temporary foreign worker programs to ensure all workers have the opportunity for a positive, safe work experience while in Canada,” said George.
This is crucial, as the agricultural sector, particularly in Ontario, has been facing a persistent labor shortage, heavily relying on temporary foreign workers to meet its labor needs.
The Senate's report also suggests introducing sector or region-specific work permits to reduce workers' vulnerability to abuse and mistreatment.
This would allow for greater flexibility and protection for workers, aligning with the current capabilities within the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP), which includes mechanisms for workers to request transfers to different employers.
OFVGA, along with other stakeholders, are keen on collaborating to implement these recommendations.
They view the Senate's report as a balanced approach to addressing the critical labor needs in agriculture, aiming to enhance both worker protection and employer capabilities.
This initiative is seen as a significant step toward refining essential labor programs that are vital for the sustenance and growth of Canada’s agricultural sector.