Government ramps up enforcement as violations surge in 2025
OTTAWA — The federal government has imposed more than $6.8 million in fines on employers for violating Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program so far in 2025 — surpassing last year’s record-setting total with three months still left in the year.
New data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reveals that the fines, issued between January and September, reflect a significant escalation in enforcement. In addition to the monetary penalties, 24 companies have been hit with temporary bans from the program for non-compliance.
The federal government has signaled that these measures are aimed at protecting the rights of temporary foreign workers and holding employers accountable for misconduct.
The $6.8 million total represents a 65 per cent increase compared to the $4.1 million in fines levied in 2024, underscoring Ottawa’s tougher stance on program violations.
The TFW program, which plays a crucial role in addressing labour shortages across sectors, has faced criticism for leaving workers vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. Officials say the rising number of fines and bans reflects the government’s growing determination to enforce rules and ensure fair treatment in Canadian workplaces.
With the final quarter of the year still ahead, observers expect the total penalties in 2025 to climb even higher, potentially setting a new benchmark for enforcement action.