July 30, 2025
RED FM News Desk
This news highlights the distress of a migrant farm worker working in Canada. He says that a new government policy — which could allow employers to deduct up to 30% of workers’ wages for housing rent — is an act of “wickedness”, meaning injustice or exploitation.
This information came to light through a leaked government document prepared by Employment and Social Development Canada. The document outlines plans for a new “temporary worker stream” that targets agriculture and fish processing workers.
Under this new system, workers would receive sector-specific permits, meaning they could work for any licensed employer within the same sector — not just for one specific company. However, this system is not expected to be implemented until 2027.
The document mentions that deductions for housing could range from a minimum of 5% to a maximum of 30% of a worker’s wages. A 30% deduction could mean that a migrant worker might lose around $1,000 per month from their pay.
One worker from Jamaica said he is already earning $17.23 per hour, and his weekly take-home pay is about $600 (after tax). If 30% is deducted, he would be left with almost nothing — neither to send money home to his family nor to survive in Canada.
He said, “This is forced. It’s the kind of thing that kills your spirit.” He explained that employers often say, “Shut up and work, or there are ten more Jamaicans waiting in line behind you.” He is in Canada to work because the job situation in Jamaica is very poor.
Syed Hussan, leader of the advocacy group Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, said that a 30% housing deduction amounts to massive wage theft. He stated that this is not a reform in workers’ rights, but an attempt to legitimize exploitation.
Hussan also pointed out that in 2020, the Canadian government had promised that migrant workers’ housing would maintain a specific temperature range (20–25°C). But now, this discussion paper only mentions vague terms like “sufficient ventilation” and “adequate plumbing”.
The Jamaican worker said his housing has no air conditioning, and they often have to stay outside the house until 10–11 PM so that it can cool down. But this isn’t technically illegal, because the government inspects the housing at the start of the season, and once it passes, there’s no further monitoring.
Canada’s housing agency (CMHC) defines affordable housing as something that costs less than 30% of a person’s pre-tax income. But under the new proposal, migrant workers may be charged up to 30%, crossing the line of affordability.
The discussion paper also mentions a new, more flexible work permit, but Hussan argues it’s ineffective, as it would only apply to employers who already meet the program’s criteria. He adds that in rural areas, where most of these workers are employed, internet and phone access is poor, making it difficult for them to find another job.
He says, if you really want to give workers mobility, you should allow them to “work anywhere in Canada,” just like Canadian citizens can.
This entire report highlights that Canada’s migrant worker system remains harsh and unfair, where laborers work under low wages, poor living conditions, and limited rights. The Migrant Workers Alliance argues that this system is exploitative, and these workers should be granted permanent residency, so they can speak up for their rights.
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