Media Advisory: Migrant care workers face systemic barriers, exploitation under federal programs, upcoming report reveals

October 18, 2024 | News Release

(Vancouver) Recent federal pilot programs were supposed to ease the precarity of work for migrant care workers — but that’s not how it’s working out.

A new first-of-its-kind report exposes the ongoing abuses and exploitation these racialized workers face even under these new programs. The report, launching on October 23, comes from the Migrant Care Worker Precarity Project, and offers nine recommendations for improving working conditions and fairness.

The hybrid launch event will bring together representatives from allied organizations, unions, universities, and public bodies. Media are welcome to attend online or in-person.

The agenda includes a presentation on the report’s findings and recommendations, an expert panel discussion, a talk by a care worker and a general discussion about organizing and advocacy.

An embargoed copy of the report and a link to the online event are available upon request.

Location:    Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue
                    Room 420 – 580 West Hastings Street
                    Vancouver BC

Date:           October 23, 2024

Time:           8:45 am - Breakfast
                    9:40 am - Presentation and panel discussion
                    11:30 am - Talk by a care worker and participant discussion            

Background: The Migrant Care Worker Precarity Project was convened by the Vancouver Committee for Domestic Workers and Caregivers Rights and brings together researchers from Simon Fraser University, Thompson Rivers University and the University of British Columbia. Participating organizations include the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (BC Office), the BC Federation of Labour and the Understanding Precarity in BC SSHRC Partnership.