Skilled Workers at Quebec Firm Face Deportation Under New Canada TFW Rules, Threatening Business Operations

In a pressing situation unfolding in Laval, Quebec, Airex Industries, a company specializing in pollution control equipment, is facing a crisis as seven of its skilled workers confront the possibility of deportation in 2025. These certified welders, integral to the company’s operations, are caught in the midst of recent changes to Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program.

Airex Industries, established in 1975, employs around 90 individuals, with the seven workers in question being crucial to their production processes. Among them is Fabian Molano from Colombia, who has expressed deep concern about his uncertain future. Tony Vasilakos, the company’s president, has highlighted the significant impact the loss of these workers would have on their business continuity.

The challenges stem from regulatory changes introduced in late 2024, which have tightened the renewal process for work permits under the TFW Program. These changes have particularly affected those with closed work permits, restricting them to a single employer, in this case, Airex Industries.

Canada’s broader immigration policy shift aims to manage temporary residents and align programs with labor market needs. New rules include caps on international students and low-wage workers, higher wage requirements for high-wage TFWs, and restrictions on spousal work permits, further complicating the situation for employers and workers alike.

Critics argue that closed work permits leave migrant workers vulnerable, as their status is tied to one employer, limiting their ability to challenge unfair labor practices without risking deportation. This dynamic underscores the broader challenges faced by temporary foreign workers in Canada.

The situation at Airex Industries exemplifies the strain on both employers and workers as policymakers strive to balance economic needs with immigration goals. The potential loss of these workers not only disrupts business operations but also upends the personal and professional lives of the employees involved.

Advocacy groups and the affected workers are urging the government to reconsider elements of the TFW Program, advocating for easier permit renewals and pathways to permanent residency. This call to action seeks to address the vulnerabilities faced by migrant workers and ensure a more stable future for both them and their employers.

For more details on this evolving situation, visit immigrationnewscanada.ca.

The situation at Airex Industries is not an isolated incident but part of a larger trend affecting numerous employers and workers across Canada. The new TFW Program regulations, introduced in November 2024, have tightened the rules for renewing work permits, particularly for those holding closed work permits. These permits, which bind workers to a single employer, have become increasingly difficult to renew under the updated guidelines.

Canada’s immigration policy changes extend beyond the TFW Program, with broader implications for temporary residents. The federal government has implemented measures such as a 10% reduction in international student study permits and a 10% cap on low-wage temporary foreign workers per employer. Additionally, the new rules have raised the minimum wage requirements for high-wage TFWs and restricted work permit eligibility for spouses of temporary residents.

These changes have created significant challenges for employers in industries requiring skilled trades, where Canadian labor is often scarce. Airex Industries is one of many companies struggling to maintain operations due to the potential loss of skilled workers. The situation underscores the vulnerability of migrant workers, who, due to their closed work permits, lack the flexibility to change employers or seek better working conditions without risking their status in Canada.

Advocacy groups and legal experts have raised concerns about the power imbalance created by closed work permits. Workers in such situations often feel reluctant to speak out against unfair labor practices, fearing that any disruption to their employment could lead to deportation. This dynamic leaves many migrant workers in precarious positions, with limited recourse to address workplace issues.

The case of Airex Industries and its workers has sparked calls for policy reforms. Advocacy groups are urging the government to introduce measures that would provide greater stability for temporary foreign workers, such as easier pathways to permanent residency or more flexible work permits. These changes could help mitigate the risks faced by workers like Fabian Molano and ensure that employers can retain the skilled labor they need to operate effectively.

As the situation continues to unfold, the broader implications for Canada’s economy and labor market remain a critical concern. The ability of companies to retain skilled workers will play a significant role in shaping the country’s economic landscape in the coming years. For now, the workers at Airex Industries and many others like them remain in limbo, awaiting a resolution to their uncertain fate.

Conclusion

The situation at Airex Industries highlights the delicate balance between immigration policy and economic needs in Canada. The potential deportation of seven skilled workers underscores the challenges faced by both employers and migrant workers under the revised Temporary Foreign Worker Program. As policymakers strive to align immigration with labor market demands, the case of Airex Industries and its workers serves as a catalyst for broader discussions on the need for reforms that protect workers’ rights while ensuring business continuity. Advocacy for pathways to permanent residency and more flexible work permits could offer a solution, addressing the vulnerabilities of migrant workers and supporting employers in maintaining skilled labor.

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