New Brunswick introduces bill to ban migrant worker recruitment fees

The New Brunswick provincial government has introduced Bill 6, legislation designed to prohibit recruitment agencies from charging migrant workers fees or expenses for employment or foreign worker recruitment services. The bill, which passed its second reading on Wednesday, aims to prevent workers from falling into debt and poverty caused by high recruitment costs.

Under the proposed amendments to the Employment Standards Act, recruiters would be required to hold a license in New Brunswick starting April 1, 2028. The legislation also seeks to increase accountability by making certain information about employers and recruiters, such as registration suspensions or revocations, available to the public. Additionally, the bill would eliminate the current $900 limit on penalties for non-compliance.

Migrant rights advocates, including the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, have welcomed the move but are calling for even tougher provisions. Advocates noted that many workers take on significant debt, including mortgaging land or borrowing from family, only to arrive in Canada and find themselves unemployed or underemployed due to fraudulent recruitment practices.