Temporary Foreign Workers have been an important source of labour supply in the Canadian labour market, particularly over the last five years, with a marked increase notably in Western regions and in lower skilled occupations. Since 1999, the total number of TFW’s entering Canada has nearly doubled, increasing from 107 217 in 1999 to 193 061 in 2008, with over 40% destined to Alberta and British Columbia in 2008. With this significant increase in TFW’s, the Government of Canada has become increasingly aware of instances where employers, or third-party agents working on their behalf, are failing to abide by commitments made to workers. Currently, no provisions exist in the Regulations to hold employers accountable for their actions regarding TFW’s. Breaches that could occur include employers paying TFW’s less than promised, inadequate accommodations for some TFW’s, and third-party agents charging fees to workers, rather than employers, in contravention of provincial territorial regulation.
