Prince Edward Island is asking employers and the public to weigh in on new regulations that will require businesses to register when hiring temporary foreign workers and face financial penalties for violations.
The province opened consultations this week on the second phase of its Temporary Foreign Worker Protection Act, which includes proposed employer registry requirements and administrative penalty regulations. The feedback period runs until July 21.
Registry requirements for employers
The upcoming regulations will establish a formal registry system for employers who hire temporary foreign workers. Details about registration requirements, fees and compliance obligations are outlined in the consultation materials available on the government’s website.
The administrative penalty framework will allow the province to issue fines for violations of the Act, though specific penalty amounts and enforcement mechanisms are still being developed through the consultation process.
First phase already in effect
The first phase of the Act took effect April 1, introducing protections for temporary foreign workers and licensing requirements for recruiters. The province held consultations on those initial regulations in summer 2024.
“As the next phase of this work approaches, it serves as a reminder of the essential efforts required to protect the rights of temporary foreign workers on PEI,” said Workforce, Advanced Learning and Population Minister Jenn Redmond. “This work is crucial in ensuring their protection and well-being, reflecting our collective commitment to creating a fair and just environment for all.”
Legislative background
The P.E.I. legislature passed the Temporary Foreign Worker Protection Act in spring 2022. The phased implementation allows the government to introduce different components of the legislation gradually.
The current consultation focuses specifically on the employer registry and penalty provisions, separate from the recruiter licensing requirements that were implemented earlier this year.
Employers, advocacy groups and members of the public can submit feedback through the government’s online consultation portal. The province has not indicated when the second phase regulations will take effect following the consultation period.
For more information, see https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/workforce-advanced-learning-and-population/temporary-foreign-worker-protection-act-0
