Prince Edward Island is taking significant steps to safeguard temporary foreign workers by implementing the Temporary Foreign Worker Protection Act in two phases. The first phase, effective April 1, 2025, introduces new rights for workers, while the second phase will establish an employer registry and administrative penalties.
Key Protections for Temporary Foreign Workers
The act introduces strict regulations to ensure fair treatment of foreign workers. Under these new rules, recruiters and employers are prohibited from:
- Charging fees or expenses to temporary foreign workers for recruitment services.
- Providing false or misleading information regarding employment, housing, immigration, and provincial or federal laws.
- Confiscating passports or official documents—except for brief copying or record-keeping, after which they must be promptly returned.
- Misrepresenting job opportunities, wages, duties, benefits, or employment duration.
- Threatening workers with deportation or any unlawful action.
These protections aim to prevent exploitation and enhance transparency in the recruitment and employment of foreign workers in the province.
Recruiter Licensing and Penalties
As part of the second phase, recruiters assisting employers in hiring foreign workers must be licensed by July 1. The licensing process includes:
- A $10,000 security deposit requirement.
- A $100 application fee for a three-year licence.
- Strict enforcement, with unlicensed recruiters facing fines of up to $5,000.
However, individuals do not require a recruiter licence if they are:
- Recruiting for their own business.
- Assisting a family member.
- Representing a government entity.
- Acting on behalf of the University of Prince Edward Island, Holland College, or Collège de l’Île.
What This Means for Foreign Workers and Employers
These regulatory changes reinforce P.E.I.’s commitment to ethical recruitment and fair labor practices. By introducing stringent rules on recruiter licensing and employer accountability, the province aims to create a safer and more transparent work environment for temporary foreign workers.
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