Attempt to protect the temporary foreign workers from exploitation.

The 1200 authorized immigration representatives and the members of Canadian Migration Institute, laud the intentions of Peter Fonseca, Ontario Minister of Labour, to change the Employment Standards Act which is aimed at providing temporary foreign workers better protection from exploitation and abuse while they work in Ontario.

Members of the Canadian Migration Institute (CMI) are pleased with the fact the Minister of Labour is studying the landmark legislation which was recently passed by the Province of Manitoba. The Worker Recruitment and Protection Act of Manitoba is an effective way of dealing with the issue.

Imran Qayyum said that not only does the current situation in Ontario leads to abuse of labour, it also reflects poorly on the labour market and Ontario’s reputation abroad. He said that they are extremely pleased to see that Minister Fonseca is contemplating action in this matter and they urge him to proceed.

Of particular importance to the CMI membership is the fact that the Manitoba legislation requires all third-party recruiters, also termed as authorized agents or employment agents, to be members of the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants or be the members of a Law Society as only these professionals are held to enforceable standards and a code of conduct that affords the protection of migrants.

The CMI Chair Imran Qayyum, said that in this regard, the new legislation would be entirely consistent with their purpose and priorities, and added that it is their intention to completely cooperate with Ontario Government as it moves in this direction. He also said that because of the fact that Ontario receives so many temporary foreign workers, it needs to have a tool to effect real change.

The Canadian Migration Institute advocates on part of authorized immigration representatives and it also works towards promoting this profession.