Yellowknife NT – On this International Day for the Elimination of Racism, the NWT Human Rights Commission would like to call attention to the systemic racism and inequities faced by temporary foreign workers in Canada. While temporary foreign worker programs are essential to Canada’s economy, they often place workers in vulnerable positions, where they are subjected to discriminatory practices and exploitation.
Racism within these programs manifests in various ways, from wage disparities and unsafe working conditions to limited access to health care and social services. Many temporary foreign workers – who are predominantly racialized individuals – often remain unsupported in their attempts to obtain permanent residency. This lack of support perpetuates a cycle of dependency and instability. Categorizing workers by nationality leaves workers vulnerable to abuse and reinforces racial hierarchies within the labor market.
It is not enough to acknowledge the essential contributions of temporary foreign workers not just to the economy, but to recognize them as members of our communities; we must ensure that everyone has equal access to worker’s rights and protections and are not subjected to exploitation simply because of their temporary residency status and/or racial background. The NWT Human Rights encourages employers to provide effective support to enable foreign workers to attain permanent residency and the stability that comes with continuous employment.
On this International Day for the Elimination of Racism, we must recognize that the fight against racism is not only about changing individual attitudes but also about transforming the systems and institutions that perpetuate inequality. Temporary foreign workers play a vital role in our economy but are also our neighbours, friends, and colleagues, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that they are treated equitably with dignity and respect.
Media Contact: Charles Dent Chair, NWT Human Rights Commission charles_dent@nwthumanrights.com
About the Human Rights Commission
The NWT Human Rights Commission is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights in the Northwest Territories. We work to eliminate discrimination and foster equality and respect for all individuals.
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