Quebec court approves class-action lawsuit against federal closed work permits

Quebec’s Superior Court has given the green light to a class-action lawsuit challenging the Federal Government’s use of closed work permits for temporary foreign workers. The suit argues that employer-specific permits violate fundamental rights enshrined in the Canadian Charter. Justice Silvana Conte ruled on September 13, 2024, that the action could proceed, potentially impacting foreign workers issued such permits since 1982. This case has reignited debates about migrant worker vulnerabilities, with critics likening the current system to modern slavery. The decision marks a significant step in addressing long-standing concerns about exploitation and abuse within Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program.