In a scathing report, the United Nations has accused the Trudeau government’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) of perpetuating “modern slavery.”

The UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, Professor Tomoya Obokata, noted how the TFWP has evolved into a system that leaves migrant workers vulnerable to “exploitation and abuse.” 

Obokata said the program “serves as a breeding ground for contemporary forms of slavery.”

The TFWP, originally designed to address short-term labor shortages, has seen significant expansion, particularly in its low-wage stream. 

But the UN’s report states that “the special rapporteur received reports of underpayment and wage theft, physical, emotional and verbal abuse, excessive work hours, limited breaks, extracontractual work, uncompensated managerial duties, lack of personal protective equipment, including in hazardous conditions, confiscation of documents and arbitrary reductions of working hours.” 

It added: “Women reported sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse.”

Foreigners exploited

Recent data from Employment and Social Development Canada showed that in the first quarter of 2024 alone, employers were granted approval to hire 28,730 low-wage foreign workers, a staggering 25% increase from the previous year. 

Critics argue that this surge contradicts the program’s intent as a “last resort” option, particularly during a period of rising unemployment in Canada, especially among young Canadians.

Obokata’s report further states that the TFWP’s structure—especially its employer-specific, closed work permits—creates a dependency that makes it nearly impossible for workers to report abuses without risking their livelihoods. 

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has recently weighed in, criticizing the Liberals for allowing the program to expand to the detriment of Canadian workers. 

“Our temporary foreign worker program should only be available to fill jobs that employers have proven beyond a doubt cannot be filled by Canadians,” he said.