Stricter legislation was introduced on Monday by the Ontario government to enact strict penalties on Ontario employers who withhold migrant workers’ passports, to and better protect remote workers.
The changes came with strong language from the province’s labour minister who called bad employers “scumbags.”
In a media release statement issued by the Government of Ontario, under the new labour law known as the Working for Workers Act, employers can get hit with “fines ranging from $100,000 to $200,000” for every passport that is withheld.
“In addition to the per-passport penalties, individuals convicted of withholding passports would be liable to either a fine of up to $500,000, up to 12 months imprisonment, or both,” the statement added.
Firms that are convicted would be liable to a fine of up to $1 million. The current fines are $50,000 for individuals and $100,000 for corporations.
The government is also proposing amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act. If passed, the changes would increase the maximum fine for businesses convicted of an offence under the act from $1.5 million to $2 million.
Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development had a strong message for violators, while speaking at a press conference at Queen’s Park.
“My message to those scumbags out there abusing migrant workers is this: You can run but you can’t hide,” he said.
“We will find you, fine you and put you behind bars,” he said.
“Anyone who preys on vulnerable members in our community has no place in our society,” McNaughton said.
“If you think you’re going to deny someone’s basic human rights by withholding their passport, we’re going to hit your pocketbook, and you will be behind bars for a long time. We will continue to use every tool in our toolbox to ensure Ontario is a province where hard work pays off and big dreams come true,” he said.
The new legislation comes after York Regional Police busted an organized crime by individuals that had lured 64 Mexican nationals into Canada with the promise of a better life, but were made to live and work in appalling conditions.
Meanwhile, McNaugton’s boss, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, has seen his popularity contiuning to decline despite winning strong mandate in the 2022 general election.
Ford continues to face questions over the Stag and Doe controversy involving his family, where guests, including developers were asked to pay $150 for entry to a pre-wedding event for his daughter.
According to an Angus Reid poll released on March 15, an estimated 33 per cent or one in three residents approve of the premier’s job performance. That’s a 12 per cent drop from the 45 per cent support Ford secured when he was re-elected last year, .
The premier was absent from the legislature on Monday, sparking comments on social media from pundits including Global News reporter and Queen’s Park Bureau Chief Colin D’Mello.
NDP Leader Marit Stiles kicks off Question Period asking whether Premier Doug Ford disclosed everything about the stag and doe to the integrity commissioner.
Ford is not here.
Gov't house leader Paul Calandra says the Premier has been working with the commissioner. #onpoli
— Colin D'Mello | Global News (@ColinDMello) March 20, 2023
The Ontario integrity commissioner has paused the inquiry request made by the Ontario NDP’s into the premier’s wrongdoings.