Ontario Labour Minister Monte McNaughton is increasing fines for employers who abuse migrant workers.
He said the “scumbags” abusing migrant workers will be found, fined and put behind bars.
Farms, businesses and people who are convicted of withholding a foreign national’s passport or work permit could face fines of $100,000 to $200,000 for every worker whose rights are abused.
“While most employers care about their workers, some continue to take advantage of them, including illegally holding their passports and work permits. This obviously leaves workers vulnerable,” said McNaughton.
“Migrant workers are afraid. That’s why every possible chance I get, I tell migrant workers that they’re protected under the labour laws here in Ontario,” he said.
“Please, come forward if there’s injustices out there.”
Under the Working for Workers Act, 2023, individuals convicted of withholding passports would be liable to either a fine of up to $500,000, up to 12 months imprisonment, or both.
Corporations convicted would be liable to a fine of up to $1 million.
