OCASI Comments on Temporary Foreign Worker Program Compliance Framework

OCASI has submitted comments on the federal government's proposed compliance framework for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and International Mobility Program (IMP). An overview of proposed regulatory changes was provided in an Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) discussion paper, “Regulatory proposals to enhance the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and International Mobility Program compliance framework” and interested parties were asked to submit comments.

The proposed changes are part of TFWP reforms that began in 2013 with announcement of amendments to the Labour Market Opinion process and additional compliance measures, many of which came into effect by December 2013. Click here for details.

In June 2014 the government announced further reforms, including re-organizing the TFWP into two distinct programs: the TFWP for streams under which foreign workers enter Canada at the request of employers following approval through a new Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA); and the new International Mobility Program (IMP) for streams in which foreign nationals are not subject to an LMIA and whose primary objective is broader than filling particular jobs. The reforms were intended to ensure that qualified Canadians and permanent residents are given first chance at available jobs. Click here for details.

ESDC and Citizenship and Immigration Canada are putting forward the proposed compliance framework is part of the reforms announced in June, and intended to deter and respond to employer non-compliance with TFWP/IMP requirements and conditions.

See link below for OCASI comments on the discussion paper.