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Migrant workers

Migrant and temporary workers

Resolution number
6
Whereas
  1. The Canadian government denies seasonal agricultural workers and foreign temporary workers the right to apply for permanent residence status through these programs;
  2. This right is available through the live-in caregiver program;
Therefore be it resolved

That the CCR demand:

  1. Access to secure permanent resident status for these workers and their families.
  2. Improved working and housing conditions for these workers.
  3. That provincial governments enforce the rights guaranteed to migrant workers under provincial employment and human right laws, rather than abdicating this responsibility to foreign governments.
Working Group
Immigration and Settlement
Subject
Migrant workers

Migrant agricultural workers and other temporary work permit holders

Resolution number
6
Whereas
  1. Migrant agricultural workers and other temporary work permit holders are living in a situation of segregation which prevents them from having effective recourse to justice;
  2. Migrant workers who have suffered an injustice are often deported before they can seek a legal recourse;
Therefore be it resolved

That the CCR demand that the status of worker be maintained during the period necessary to seize a tribunal of the matter and to await its resolution.

Working Group
Inland Protection
Subject
Migrant workers

Right to permanent residence for migrant workers

Resolution number
4
Whereas
  1. Emphasis on temporary rather than permanent migration creates a class of vulnerable and disposable workers;
  2. Canada’s immigration program should be revised to ensure that those who are able and willing to fill labour market needs can qualify as immigrants;
Therefore be it resolved

That the CCR demand that all those with temporary work permits, in all the different classes, have the right to apply for permanent resident status at the same time as they apply for the work permit, and should have the right to bring family members as is currently being done in Ontario for the Provincial Nominee Program.

Working Group
Immigration and Settlement
Subject
Migrant workers
Permanent residence

Temporary Foreign Workers

Resolution number
4
Whereas
  1. The Temporary Foreign Worker program has greatly expanded;
  2. There have been numerous incidents of worker abuse and exploitation;
  3. When spouses and children accompany Temporary Foreign Workers, there are very limited options for them;
Therefore be it resolved

That the CCR request CIC:

  1. To stop restricting Temporary Foreign Workers to specific named employers, giving them the same rights to labour mobility as other Canadian workers;
  2. Issue work permits to accompanying spouses and children of Temporary Foreign Workers.
Working Group
Immigration and Settlement
Subject
Migrant workers

Canadian Experience Class

Resolution number
2
Whereas
  1. CIC is considering implementing a new “Canadian Experience” Class;
  2. CIC has indicated that this proposed new class will be restricted to highly skilled workers;
Therefore be it resolved

That the CCR:

  1. Express to CIC that this class be open to all applicants regardless of skill level.
  2. Express to the Quebec government that it should to give temporary foreign workers access to permanent residence class without regard to skill levels.
  3. Formally adopt the position paper prepared for the consultation with CIC on the proposed class as its formal position on the class.
Working Group
Immigration and Settlement
Subject
Migrant workers

Temporary Foreign Workers and Welcoming Communities Initiative

Resolution number
3
Whereas
  1. The federal Temporary Foreign Workers Program frustrates the attempts of communities to attract and retain population permanently, and contradicts the goals of CIC’s Welcoming Communities Initiative and similar initiatives of other jurisdictions;
  2. The goals of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act promote immigration to build the future of Canada;
  3. The CCR supports access to permanent residency for temporary workers;
  4. Many concerns have been raised about lack of equitable access for temporary workers to permanent residency through the underutilized Canadian Experience Class;
Therefore be it resolved

That CCR advocate for the federal Temporary Foreign Workers Program to be brought into alignment with the Welcoming Communities Initiative’s and similar initiatives of other jurisdictions goals of cohesiveness, social inclusiveness and retention of population permanently.

Working Group
Immigration and Settlement
Subject
Migrant workers

Equitable Enforcement

Resolution number
4
Whereas
  1. Temporary Foreign Workers are vulnerable to exploitation and abuse with numerous documented cases;
  2. Their vulnerability is increased by contraventions of IRPA committed by employers and recruiters;
  3. There are limited or no resources for mandatory monitoring and enforcement;
  4. When there is no system of enforcement, Temporary Foreign Workers are the ones penalized, resulting in further victimization;
Therefore be it resolved

That the CCR:

  1. Advocate for provincial governments to protect Temporary Foreign Workers’ rights through workplace audits and enforcement of appropriate legislation, including criminal, against employers and recruiters.
  2. Advocate that the federal government:
  1. Prosecute recruiters and employers who contravene IRPA.
  2. Put in place a mechanism and systems to protect rather than penalize Temporary Foreign Workers who have contravened IRPA as a result of victimization by recruiters and employers;
  3. Enter into international agreements whereby Canada and the source countries of Temporary Foreign Workers agree to prohibit the charging to the workers of recruitment and placement fees.
Working Group
Immigration and Settlement
Subject
Migrant workers

Mandatory Monitoring System on Temporary Foreign Workers

Resolution number
3
Whereas
  1. The monitoring system implemented by CIC as part of recent changes to the Temporary Foreign Workers Program is voluntary and therefore ineffective;
  2. Abuses of Temporary Foreign Workers by employers are widespread and have been well documented;
Therefore be it resolved

That the CCR advocate that the federal government enforce a mandatory monitoring system for the employers of Temporary Foreign Workers.

Working Group
Immigration and Settlement
Subject
Migrant workers

No to the changes on timelines in Temporary Foreign Workers Program

Resolution number
2
Whereas
  1. Changes to the Temporary Foreign Workers Program to be implemented in April 2011 will impose a four year limit on the stay of Temporary Foreign Workers and a four year delay before they are able to participate again in the program;
  2. This will increase the undocumented workforce and thus increase the vulnerability of workers;
Therefore be it resolved

That the CCR oppose the limit on duration of Temporary Foreign Workers’ stay and the imposed time period to re-apply for the program.

Working Group
Immigration and Settlement
Subject
Migrant workers
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