Canada experiences influx of foreign workers seeking protection from exploitative employers
An escalating number of temporary foreign workers in Canada are turning to open work permits as a means to escape abusive employers, according to recent data. The sharp increase underscores growing concerns about worker exploitation amid immigration cuts and economic uncertainty.
Government data reveals a staggering 867% surge in the issuance of open work permits for vulnerable workers in Ontario, with 435 permits issued in the first quarter of 2025 compared to just 45 during the same period in 2024. British Columbia follows closely behind, issuing 650 permits in the same timeframe, up from 40 in 2024. Quebec and Alberta also saw considerable increases, issuing 465 and 30 permits, respectively, compared to 65 and 30 in the corresponding period last year.
The surge in applications for open work permits comes as Canada increasingly relies on foreign labor to fill critical roles in sectors such as agriculture, construction, and healthcare. Tied to a single employer, many foreign workers are afraid to speak out against mistreatment for fear of repercussions.
Advocates express that the current economic climate, marked by looming recession and reduced immigration levels, is amplifying worker vulnerability. Although more migrant workers are seeking help, they fear the true extent of abuse may be far greater than what is reported.
Amanda Aziz, a staff lawyer at the Migrant Workers Centre, comments, "This is just a drop in the bucket." She asserts continued abuse within the foreign worker program, as illustrated by the escalating number of applications for open work permits. Immigration consultant Kanwar Sierah corroborates this observation, noticing a steady rise in migrant workers approaching him for assistance, especially regarding wage theft.
Financial struggles faced by companies due to U.S. tariff uncertainty and market turmoil following years of escalating inflation have exacerbated the issue, with migrant workers increasingly reporting wage theft.
The federal government has imposed penalties on more than $4.1 million in penalty fees on employers violating the temporary foreign worker program's rules in 2024. However, numerous employers who were penalized are still listed as having an unpaid monetary penalty, raising concerns about accountability.
When asked about efforts to curb abuse within the program, the department replied that they are continuously working to strengthen it. Measures announced include a tip line and online tool for anonymous reporting, as well as educational resources aimed at helping foreign workers understand their rights in Canada. Open work permits for vulnerable workers are also provided to facilitate employment changes within the country.
Despite these efforts, many abusive employers continue to operate and hire migrant workers, with claims of abuse continuing to surface from workers employed by the same employers months apart.ensitive migrant workers seeking help, they warn the actual scale of abuse is likely much larger.
Kate Swanson, a professor in international development studies at Dalhousie University, posits that more workers are becoming aware of the vulnerable worker program and gaining access to support, contributing significantly to the increase in applications for open work permits. The recent surge in permit applications highlights the urgent need for continued improvements in the protection and support offered to migrant workers in Canada.
- The surge in open work permits issued to vulnerable workers in Ontario and other provinces indicates a concerning trend in the exploitation of foreign workers in Canada.
- The increasing use of open work permits by temporary foreign workers highlights the growing fears of worker exploitation due to immigration cuts and economic uncertainty.
- The sharp increase in open work permits in provinces like Ontario and British Columbia could be a result of the ongoing concerns about worker exploitation in Canada.
- The escalating number of open work permits issued to foreign workers is a clear indication of the prevalence of abusive employers in Canada's workplace.
- The recent data showing a dramatic increase in the issuance of open work permits underscores the urgent need for policy and legislation to protect the rights of migrant workers in Canada.
- The rise in the number of open work permits issued in provinces such as Ontario and British Columbia points towards widespread exploitation of foreign workers in Canada.
- The growing concerns about worker exploitation in Canada are underscored by the increasing number of open work permits issued to vulnerable workers.
- The surge in open work permits issued to foreign workers in Canada, particularly in Ontario, is a stark reminder of the need for stricter regulations and enforcement against abusive employers.
