In the last fiscal year, 94 per cent of employers using the Temporary Foreign Workers program in Canada were compliant with employment regulations and standards.
Of the 6 per cent who were found to be non-compliant, none were in Essex County.
“We are proud of the fruit and vegetable sector’s strong track record of compliance and the ongoing investments growers and governments are continuing to make to ensure temporary foreign workers have a safe and positive experience working in Canada,” says Bill George, grape grower and chair of the OFVGA’s labour committee. “Temporary and seasonal workers play a critical role in Ontario’s food supply system, and we support measures that encourage their safety, protection and well-being while they are working here.”
Ontario's fruit and vegetable growers employ more than 20,000 seasonal and temporary foreign workers annually.
Employers who use the program must follow government regulations like providing approved wage rates, access to health care, and employment insurance and must comply with provincial health and safety regulations.
According to statistics released by Employment and Social Development Canada, there were 116 employers in all of Canada found to be non-compliant between April 2022 and March 2023. Many of these faced monetary penalties, were issued a warning, and seven were banned from using the program for up to five years.
Employers who are non-compliant are listed on the government website.
