Amnesty International Report Reveals Shocking Abuse of Migrant Workers in Canada

Montreal: Bénédicte Carole Zé came to Canada in 2016, hoping for a better life. Instead, she found herself trapped in a nightmare. After paying $10,000 in fees to get a job on a poultry farm, she was forced to work long hours under terrible conditions. Her employer controlled her life, even her banking, and threatened her with deportation if she spoke out.

Zé’s story is just one of many highlighted in a recent Amnesty International report. It reveals the grim reality for many migrant workers in Canada’s temporary foreign worker program. Zé, now an advocate for migrant rights, shared her experience at a press conference, saying, “I lived two years under slavery.”

The report details how workers like Zé face exploitation, including wage theft and unsafe working conditions. It also mentions that her employer faced minimal consequences for the abuse. Other workers shared similar stories, with one woman from Jamaica describing how she was injured on the job and faced racial slurs from her supervisors.

Amnesty’s report is based on interviews with 44 migrant workers from various countries. It paints a disturbing picture of labor exploitation, calling for urgent reforms to protect these vulnerable individuals. The organization argues that the current system gives too much power to employers, leading to widespread abuse.

Despite some government efforts to improve conditions, many advocates feel the changes are superficial. They stress that the system needs a complete overhaul to ensure fair treatment for all workers. The report has sparked conversations about the urgent need for change in how Canada treats its migrant workforce.

As the discussion continues, it’s crucial for Canadians to recognize the sacrifices these workers make. Every time you enjoy fresh produce, remember the people who work tirelessly, often under harsh conditions, to bring it to your table.