A new act just announced by the Province of BC aims at protecting temporary foreign workers.
“Today’s announcement shines a spotlight on workers from out of the country that come to make a living in BC. Temporary foreign workers come to carve out a better life for themselves and for their families back home,” said Henry Bains, BC Minister of Labour.
“But instead of a new prosperous life, some find themselves abused and exploited by their employer.”
“They come to fill jobs that drive our economy, jobs that, many times, would otherwise go unfilled. Jobs that without workers, would impact business operations.”
First, Bains said, they will be creating a registry and within it, the ministry will be able to see who is hiring and recruiting temporary foreign workers. Companies who hire will have to be registered and recruiters will have to be licensed – at no cost to either.
The legislation will allow the ministry to proactively monitor, audit and investigate employee treatment in areas like wages and safe working conditions. Under the act, violators face consequences including fines of up to $50,000 for an individual, $100,000 for corporations and jail time of up to one year.