Quebec Court Approves Class Action for Foreign Workers on Closed Permits

The lawsuit claims closed work permits violate Charter rights, exposing workers to abuse and exploitation.

Quebec Superior Court has authorized a class-action lawsuit involving temporary foreign workers suing the federal government over closed work permits.
The lawsuit, initiated by the Association for the Rights of Household and Farm Workers, argues that closed permits violate Charter rights to life, liberty, security, and equality.
Lead plaintiff Byron Alfredo Acevedo Tobar alleges abusive treatment, including psychological abuse, harassment, overwork, lack of training, and underpayment.
Critics argue that closed permits, which tie workers to specific employers, create a power imbalance that fosters abuse and exploitation.
A UN special rapporteur has described Canada's temporary foreign worker program as a 'breeding ground for contemporary forms of slavery,' citing issues like wage theft and insufficient protective equipment.