essential workers

WATCH: Migrant Workers Study

Senator Ratna Omidvar Senate of Canada January 18, 2023 employment, essential workers, immigration, seasonal agricultural workers, SOCI, temporary foreign workers

During the SOCI Committee's Migrant Workers Study, Senator Omidvar asked about open-sector work permits, language tests, the caregiver program, and more.

The Needs of the Labour Market, Employers & Employees Must be Reflected in Senate Committees

Senator Ratna Omidvar Senate of Canada November 2, 2022 essential workers, gig economy, labour, labour shortages

Senator Omidvar spoke to Senator Bellemare's motion that a Special Senate Committee on Human Capital and the Labour Market be appointed until the end of the current session.

Key Takeaways from the 25th International Metropolis Conference in Berlin

Senator Ratna Omidvar Senate of Canada October 19, 2022 climate change, essential workers, forced displacement, Germany, immigrants, refugees, seasonal agricultural workers, temporary foreign workers

Senator Omidvar gave a statement on her key takeaways from the 25th International Metropolis Conference in Berlin

Will the Temporary Foreign Worker Program Include More Rights and Pathways to Permanency for Workers?

Senator Ratna Omidvar Senate of Canada April 7, 2022 essential workers, immigrant, immigration, permanent residents, temporary foreign workers

Senator Omidvar asked Senator Gold about changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

Our Changed World: Essential Changes for Essential Workers

Senator Ratna Omidvar The Toronto Star February 24, 2022 essential workers, immigration, permanent residents, temporary foreign workers

In this Toronto Star op-ed, Senator Omidvar calls for a permanent pathway to permanent residence for essential temporary migrant workers.

There’s ‘Potential’ for Progress in Gig Worker Supports After an Involved Election Season, Experts, Politicians Say

Alice Chen The Hill Times October 20, 2021 essential workers, gig economy

This excerpt from the Hill Times explores the efforts of legislators to improve supports for gig workers.

Canada Needs to Improve its Immigration Channels for Essential Migrant Workers

Senator Ratna Omidvar and Zuzana Cepla Policy Options August 19, 2021 essential workers, immigrants, permanent residents, temporary foreign workers

Senator Omidvar and Zuzana Cepla are calling for a streamlined pathway allowing essential workers at a variety of skill levels to come to Canada and help fill critical jobs.

Canada Faces a Staggering Immigration Backlog. With the Border Reopening and Applicants Anxious to get Here, How Should Ottawa Prioritize?

Nicholas Keung The Toronto Star August 4, 2021 covid19migration, essential workers, immigration, permanent residents

In this excerpt, Senator Omidvar comments on the immigration backlogs caused by the pandemic.

Will Essential Migrant Workers be Allowed to Apply for Bridging Work Permits? And How Many Caregiver Applications Have Been Processed?

Senator Ratna Omidvar Senate of Canada June 29, 2021 covid19migration, essential workers, immigration, permanent residents

Senator Omidvar asked Senator Gold about bridging work permits and caregiver applications.

Pace of Virtual Inspections on Migrant Worker Conditions a Concern, say Critics, with Half Completed this Summer

Samantha Wright Allen The Hill Times October 29, 2020 covid19migration, essential workers, immigration

Senator Omidvar discusses the impact of COVID-19 on migrant workers and the importance of offering them a pathway to permanent residency.