Migrant Farm Workers Face Underpayment and Abuse

Migrant workers in Canada, particularly in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, face significant exploitation and abuse under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, which binds them to a single employer and offers little protection against mistreatment. Many workers, like Maria, recount experiences of sexual assault and poor living conditions, with some describing their situation as “the new slavery.” A Senate report highlights the vulnerabilities created by employer-specific permits and calls for reform. Despite their contributions to Canada’s agriculture sector, these workers often endure health risks and financial exploitation.

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