Feedback wanted on Temporary Foreign Worker Act
Government invites the public to have their say on a proposed Temporary Foreign Worker Act.
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program is a federal program that allows employers to hire foreign workers to fill temporary jobs when qualified Canadians are not available.
“Temporary foreign workers play a very important role in helping address the labour shortage in Prince Edward Island. It’s our responsibility as Government and Islanders to ensure temporary foreign workers are safe and have a positive work experience as they contribute to the success of our province.”
- Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture Minister Matthew MacKay
The new provincial act would provide additional protection for foreign workers in PEI through the following:
- require recruiters of temporary foreign workers to be licensed;
- require employers to be registered;
- establish criteria for issuing, refusing, suspending or cancelling a license or registration;
- impose penalties for recruiters and employers who violate legislation;
- allow government to recover and return to workers, any fees charged illegally by recruiters;
- create two registries; one for foreign worker recruiters and one for employers; and
- require recruiters and employers to provide temporary foreign workers with written contracts and information about their employment rights.
The deadline to submit feedback is Friday, February 12.
Media contact:
Hillary MacDonald
Department of Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture
902-394-6368
hpsmacdonald@gov.pe.ca