CIMM - QP Note – Trinidad and Tobago TFWs - Dec 2, 2020

Question period note
Date: 2 Dec 2020
Classification:
Department: IRCC

Issue

TFWs from Trinidad and Tobago have been having difficulties leaving Canada due to COVID-related health restrictions in their source country.

Proposed response:

• The Government of Canada takes the health of all Canadians and foreign workers very seriously and cares deeply about all of the essential workers who keep our food supply chain strong.
• The Government of Canada is working hard alongside provinces, territories and industry to ensure that the proper protocols are in place to keep all workers safe, and we continue to adjust these measures as more is known.
• The Government is aware of the situation facing agricultural workers from Trinidad & Tobago. Canadian federal agencies are working together with local authorities and consular officials from Trinidad and Tobago are working together to address the situation and ensure they have access to adequate housing and income support programs to which they are entitled until their return home can be arranged.

If pressed

• We have been made aware that a number of workers from Trinidad and Tobago are unable to return home from Canada and other countries given rules imposed by their government.
• The majority of these workers came to Canada as part of the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program and are located primarily in Ontario and Alberta.
• The Government is engaging with the Government of Trinidad & Tobago on the situation in order to facilitate their safe return home as soon as possible.
• If they cannot safely return home, the Government will allow these workers to apply to extend their immigration status. Their employers are also being reminded of their obligations to ensure the health and safety of these workers.

Background

• According to a CBC story over 100 workers from Trinidad and Tobago are facing difficulties leaving Canada after working as farm workers in Haldimand and Norfolk due to delays related to covid-19 testing before leaving. This is leaving them stranded and potentially causing income and housing problems.
• The Government of Canada takes the health of all Canadians and foreign workers very seriously.  Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government has worked closely with provincial/territorial governments, employers, community service organizations and representatives of the source countries of many workers on actions to protect public health.
• The Government has also implemented new regulations, which compel employers to meet new requirements to limit the spread of COVID-19.  This includes not preventing a worker from meeting their requirements under orders made under the Quarantine Act, as well as provincial/territorial public health laws related to COVID-19.  Employers who provide accommodations to workers as part of the requirements of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program must also meet new requirements to limit the potential spread of COVID-19.
• Employers who do not comply could be subject to penalties of up to $1 million and a ban from hiring foreign workers, depending on the seriousness of the infraction and number of workers affected.
• Temporary foreign workers have the same rights to workplace protections under applicable federal, provincial and territorial employment standards and collective agreements as Canadians and permanent residents.
• Provinces/territories are responsible for establishing and enforcing health and safety rules for most workplaces. When an outbreak of COVID-19 occurs at a workplace, the Government of Canada will work with the appropriate provincial/territorial body, as well as other partners, to safeguard the health and safety of workers and mitigate the risk to public health.