In British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, Maria, a 28-year-old migrant laborer, recalls a troubling experience from her time harvesting cannabis in 2023. After being invited to her boss's home for dinner, she found herself in a situation that turned traumatic. Following an evening of socializing, she says she woke up to her boss assaulting her. "I wish I could have pushed him or hit him but I couldn’t," she stated, her identity protected due to an ongoing sexual assault case.

Maria is one of nearly 80,000 migrant workers who come to Canada each year under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). This program aims to fill labor shortages in agriculture, where many workers endure long hours in harsh conditions, often for minimum wage. Many live in substandard housing, facing health risks and financial exploitation.

A recent investigation revealed that the TFWP exposes many laborers to significant vulnerabilities. A Jamaican worker, who described his conditions as "deplorable," stated, "This is the new slavery. They’re all using us." Many workers are bound to a single employer, which limits their ability to seek better working conditions.

A father from Grenada, who has worked in Canada since 2018, criticized the system, saying, "If we’re not being treated fairly on a job site … we should have the option to apply or look for another job while in Canada." This sentiment was echoed in a Senate committee report, which highlighted that employer-specific work permits create significant risks for abuse and exploitation.

Despite claims from government officials that migrant workers have the same rights as Canadian citizens, many workers report feeling powerless. A staff lawyer at the Migrant Workers Centre noted, "All of it kind of boils down to, ‘You workers have no agency.’"

A 2023 report by the United Nations’ Special Rapporteur labeled Canada’s temporary foreign worker programs as a "breeding ground for contemporary forms of slavery." The report recommended reforms to eliminate employer-specific permits and provide clearer pathways to permanent residency for migrant workers.

Public sentiment in Canada regarding immigration is mixed. Recent polls indicate that a significant portion of Canadians believe the country is admitting too many immigrants. The Temporary Foreign Worker Program has also faced criticism, with many believing it exploits vulnerable workers.

The federal Conservative Party has called for the program's elimination, acknowledging that agricultural labor shortages would necessitate a new approach. Meanwhile, the government has committed to reducing permanent residency levels while recognizing the importance of temporary foreign workers in certain sectors.

In the 2024-25 fiscal year, inspections of TFWP employers revealed that about 10% were non-compliant with program requirements. The government has increased penalties for violations, but the extent of abuse remains difficult to measure due to a culture of secrecy surrounding the program.

Maria is among the few who have filed formal complaints against their employers, a decision that can jeopardize their jobs and future in Canada. Anelyse Weiler, a sociology professor, stated, "Workers are made vulnerable by the very design of the program."

The case against Maria's employer, who has been charged with sexual assault, highlights the ongoing issues within the TFWP. His lawyer has stated that he "vigorously asserts his innocence" as the case proceeds through the courts.

As the debate over the treatment of migrant workers continues, the need for systemic change in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program becomes increasingly urgent. The experiences of workers like Maria underscore the challenges faced by those who contribute significantly to Canada’s agricultural sector while often enduring exploitation and abuse.