The Prince Edward Island (PEI) government is moving forward with the second phase of its Temporary Foreign Worker Protection Act, aimed at strengthening protections for temporary foreign workers. The province is now inviting public feedback on two new elements: the employer registry and a new set of administrative penalty regulations. These measures are designed to hold employers accountable and ensure better workplace practices for foreign workers.
The Act, originally passed in 2022, is being implemented in stages. The first phase came into effect on April 1, 2025. It introduced licensing rules for recruiters and formal protections for foreign workers. The next stage builds on that by focusing directly on employers, ensuring they follow rules, register officially, and face penalties if they fail to comply.
Why the Second Phase Matters
Minister of Workforce, Advanced Learning and Population, Jenn Redmond, highlighted the importance of these changes. She emphasized that protecting the rights and safety of temporary foreign workers is essential to maintaining a fair labor environment in PEI.
The employer registry aims to:
- Create transparency about who is hiring foreign workers
- Ensure employers meet legal obligations before they recruit or employ temporary workers
- Help enforce compliance across industries that rely on foreign labor
In parallel, the proposed administrative penalties are intended to deal with violations, including improper hiring, unsafe work conditions, or misleading contracts, without the need for lengthy legal processes.
Public Consultation Now Open
This stage of public consultation is focused solely on the proposed employer registry and penalty regulations. Feedback from employers, workers, immigration professionals, and the public is being welcomed until July 21, 2025.
Here’s what the process looks like:
| Phase | Key Focus | Status |
| Phase 1 (2025) | Recruiter licensing and initial worker protections | Already in effect |
| Phase 2 (2025–2026) | Employer registry and penalty rules | Under public review |
To participate or view the draft regulations, visit the official page: Temporary Foreign Worker Protection Act Employer Registry and Administrative Penalties Consultation
Why This Matters for Immigration in Canada
The Temporary Foreign Worker Protection Act is part of a growing shift in Canada’s approach to immigration enforcement, prioritizing not just labor market needs but also ethical recruitment and safe work environments.
With more foreign workers arriving to fill critical roles across sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and hospitality, robust systems like these help maintain balance. It ensures both fairness to workers and legal clarity for employers.
Act Now to Shape the Future of Worker Protections
As PEI rolls out the second phase of the Temporary Foreign Worker Protection Act, the opportunity to offer feedback is a valuable one. Whether you’re an employer, immigration consultant, or advocate, your input can directly impact how these rules are applied. This consultation period highlights the need to create safer, more transparent systems for foreign workers – something increasingly critical to the future of Canadian immigration and labor policy.
Let’s keep building a system where Temporary Foreign Worker Protection is more than a policy — it’s a practice that works for everyone. For further updates or guidance, contact ImmigCanada!
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