GATINEAU, QC, Dec. 9, 2021 /CNW/ - Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough, today issued the following statement regarding the audit of the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program by the Office of the Auditor General (OAG):
"The health and safety of temporary foreign workers is of the utmost importance to me, my colleagues, and the Government of Canada. Like every worker in Canada, they deserve to be safe in their workplaces.
As the pandemic hit, thousands of temporary foreign workers were scheduled to arrive in Canada. The Government acted quickly to keep workers safe and food on Canadians' tables. We immediately strengthened conditions for the program and brought in even stronger penalties for failing to comply. We continued to listen and adapt ahead of the 2022 season, investing in migrant worker organizations, working closely with partners at home and abroad, and doubling the number of inspectors.
All efforts were guided with the health and safety of Canadians and temporary foreign workers top of mind. The Auditor General's report clearly outlines that despite these efforts, more must be done ahead of the upcoming season. At the same time, the pandemic has further highlighted the systemic challenges and inherent inequities that exist within the TFW program that need to be addressed ? and that work is ongoing.
ESDC is rebuilding the TFW compliance regime, and the Auditor General's recommendations, which we accept, will guide this work. We have already taken steps to improve the quality and timeliness of our inspections, reduce backlogs, and increase resources, and we are now better able to support our inspection staff. While these improvements are important, we know more work is required.
To that end, I have asked that my deputy minister commit to the following:
As we have done throughout the pandemic, I will be working closely with provinces, territories, partner countries and migrant worker organizations to ensure this work remains on track.
Longer-term, we know that workers deserve to be better protected in their living conditions. That is why last week, I released a report that will inform our work with provinces, territories and key stakeholders to develop minimum requirements for employer-provided accommodations in 2022. While provinces and territories generally have jurisdiction over the development of accommodation-related rules and regulations, including housing standards, working together, we can and must make needed improvements.
I want to thank the Auditor General and her Office for its report and recommendations, which will guide the work ahead."
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