Canada’s foreign worker program ‘breeding ground’ for modern slavery: report

OTTAWA — A recently released international report says Canada’s temporary foreign worker program is a “breeding ground” for contemporary slavery.

The final report by a United Nations special rapporteur who visited Canada last year says a power imbalance prevents workers from exercising their rights.

Workers’ status is dependent on a closed work permit that is specific to an employer, and if individuals are fired, they may be deported from Canada.

The report says workers are subject to a wide range of abuses and aren’t always aware of their rights.