The package includes:
- $7.4 million to increase supports to temporary foreign workers;
- $16.2 million to strengthen inspections and making improvements to how tips and allegations of employer non-compliance are addressed;
- $35 million to improve health and safety on farms and in employee living quarters. This includes direct infrastructure improvements to living quarters, temporary or emergency housing on or off farms, personal protection equipment (PPE), sanitary stations and any other health and safety measures. Non-repayable contributions will be cost-shared 50-50 with the applicants.
The Government will also work to develop mandatory requirements to improve employer-provided accommodations, focusing on ensuring better living conditions for workers.
The government is also undertaking a review of the entire Temporary Foreign Worker program.
Crtics say the money is not enough to address the housing situation and said they want foreign workers to be offered permanent residence status.
That would put them on an equal footing with Canadians in terms of benefits and enable them to leave employers.
