We are recommending that workers be granted access to permanent residency in Canada. This would allow them to remain in Canada and have the same rights and benefits that we as Canadians expect. They would have the option to change employers if they are experiencing abusive working conditions. This secure status would give them a greater ability to speak up about abusive working conditions. It would allow them to be with their families in Canada. Many of these workers are separated from their families for many, many months of the year.
Overall, this is something we need to do because of COVID-19 but also beyond COVID-19, because we rely on these workers and this workforce. This may in fact lead to a more secure workforce for the future in Canada if these workers are permitted to stay.