A new documentary titled “My Friend Omar: The Battle of a Seasonal Worker,” now available on CBC Gem and ICI Tou.TV, highlights the struggles faced by temporary foreign workers in Canada, particularly those bound by closed work permits. Directed by Christian de la Cortina and produced by Vanessa Caceres, with associate producers Frank Baylis and Marquise Lepage, the film focuses on the life of Wilson Omar Mendez, a Guatemalan seasonal worker in Quebec.
The documentary, which will also air on Radio-Canada and CBC in the coming weeks, explores the harsh conditions endured by Mendez and similar workers, who are legally tied to one employer due to the restrictions of their closed work permits. This arrangement often leaves them vulnerable to exploitation, including unpaid overtime, social isolation, and even threats of violence and deportation.
Director Christian de la Cortina shared his insights on the project, stating, “My role as a temporary foreign worker in the fictional Quebec TV series 5e Rang opened my eyes to the extreme vulnerability of people working in this environment. When Omar Mendez shared his story and the abusive treatment he suffered, I set out to make a documentary about his story so that it would be heard and help move the conversation forward about the damaging impact that closed work permits can have on the living and working conditions of temporary workers.”
Co-producer Frank Baylis highlighted the broader implications of such working conditions, noting, “Closed work permits can lead to serious violations of foreign workers’ rights and freedoms and tarnish Canada’s historic reputation as a welcoming place to work and live. Concrete measures are long overdue to protect these workers, who make an invaluable contribution to the Canadian economy.”
The film draws on firsthand accounts and expert interviews to present a compelling narrative about the systemic issues affecting temporary foreign workers in Canada. It aims to foster a broader understanding and stimulate dialogue on the need for policy reforms to ensure better protection for these vulnerable members of the workforce.