Are you new to working as a foreign worker, especially in Canada? Don’t worry. The International Mobility Program (IMP) and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) are ideally the two primary paths that can help you work in Canada if you are a foreign worker. Did you know that under these paths, foreign nationals working in Canada enjoy similar protections and rights as the country’s permanent residents and regular citizens?
Therefore, since the IMP and TFWP have already set forth these rights and protections, they expect employers to adhere to them strictly. Failure to observe these protections means that your employer risks facing legal consequences. In other words, the force of law protects these rights.
This article will help you keep an ear to the ground regarding your rights if you ever decide to work in Canada as a temporary foreign worker. So, keep reading.
Your Rights as a Temporary Worker
As a foreign worker, your rights and protections fall in either of the following categories;
- What your employer must/should do to ensure they adhere to legal and program standards
- What your employer must NOT do to adhere to the same legal and program standards
Your Employer Must do the Following
With that said, here is what Immigration and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) stipulates your employer to do;
- Educate you about your rights as a foreign worker.
- Know the recruitment and employment standards of the territory or province where the company is located and follow these standards.
- Ensure that you have officially received your employment agreement (a signed copy)
- Ensure you are properly trained on workplace safety, including using personnel protective equipment.
- Ensure that you receive your earnings based on what your employment agreement states.
- Ensure you can access healthcare services in case of illness or injury in the line of duty.
- Ensure your work environment is free from abuse.
