Restaurants Canada Response to UN Report on Temporary Foreign Worker Program
15 Agosto 2024 - 1:05PM
Restaurants Canada unequivocally denounces the mistreatment of
temporary foreign workers (TFWs) in any industry.
While we acknowledge the
United Nations Special Rapporteur's concerns about potential
exploitation within the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, our
organization does not agree that it constitutes a "breeding ground
for contemporary forms of slavery."
Historically, this
program has undergone numerous reforms to improve its standards and
safeguards for worker protection. TFWs are protected by labour
legislation like any other worker. In addition, employers of TFWs
must ensure health coverage, appropriate accommodations and
operations are checked by government officials. Recently, the
Federal Government announced it is considering changes to further
strengthen oversight and compliance with regulations. Restaurants
Canada is supportive of that direction. Operators who
mistreat TFWs or misuse the program have no place in our
industry.
Although the TFW Program
represents a small percentage of our workforce currently at 3%, up
from 1% pre-pandemic, it played a vital role in our recovery
following the pandemic. Reopening an industry that is the fourth
largest private employer in the country was no small feat and as a
result, the TFW program was a short-term necessity. Our industry is
moving away from the program now that job vacancies are
dropping. The industry's strong preference is to provide
locals with employment opportunities.
“The TFW program will
likely always be needed, particularly in areas that lack the
necessary local workforce to support community services. This is
especially true in seasonal tourist regions. Without the program,
our economy and the services Canadians expect would look very
different,” said Kelly Higginson, President and CEO of Restaurants
Canada.
Annette Goerner
Restaurants Canada
613-818-6941
media@restaurantscanada.org