No Foreign Stripper for Canada, Foreign Worker Rules Change in 2014

2014 is going to be a different year for foreign workers in Canada as the country is going to execute a number of changes in federal rules with effect from the very first week of the year. The Conservative government has decided to implement a few critical steps in relation to foreign workers in the country.

The Canadian government has decided to continue asking Canadian employers reasons why they require foreigners over Canadians while employing a worker. The Temporary Foreign Worker Program will continue to be reformed and the latest rules (with effect from Dec 31, 2013) are just another part of the process. Canadians have the right to apply for any available job. However, foreign workers are no less protected in the new rules.

The government is not going to approve any more applications for hiring foreign workers to be employed in the sex trade. CBC News reports that Canada intends to protect foreign workers who are more 'vulnerable' when they are employed as erotic dancers, strippers or any such performer in erotic massage industry or the escort services.

The Conservatives promised to end the 'Liberal Strippergate' seven years before introducing the new rules in 2012. As a part of the execution of such a promise, hundreds of foreign workers working as erotic dancers received temporary work permits during the tenure of the previous government.

Federal officials are empowered with the authority to have an inspection of any workplace with no warrant for up to 6 years. Employers may expect to be warned in advance but not all the time. Employers are required to have proper paperwork for 6 years. They should also ensure that the workplace is abuse-free. The employers who are found working against the rules may be officially blacklisted. Additionally, they may also be banned from hiring foreign workers for 2 years. The government has the authority now to suspend and revoke any licence that is found to go against the rules.

Meanwhile, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business Head Daniel Kelly called the government's decision "the worst" since 2006 when Canada Prime Minister Stephen Harper took office, the Huffington Post reports. Numerous Canadian employers are going to struggle because of the decision, particularly those in rural areas, he claimed.