Significant Step Forward in Protecting Migrant Workers
In a major development this week, Ontario has introduced legislation to strengthen protections and increase fines for employers found to have withheld a migrant worker's passport or work permit. The new penalties are the largest imposed on any employer for unlawful migrant employment practices, with offenders facing between $100,000 to $200,000 in fines for each worker whose rights were violated. The legislation, known as the Working for Workers Act , also imposes penalties on individuals. Anyone who withholds a migrant's passport or work permit can face up to 12 months in prison and up to $500,000 in fines, while corporations may be fined up to $1 million. " Anyone who preys on vulnerable members in our community has no place in our society ," said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour , Immigration, Training and Skills Development . Great Steps Towards Equality for Migrant Workers This move is a great step towards creating greater equality for migrant workers. While ...