” Changes in Business Legitimacy Verification to Protect Canadian and Temporary Forign Worker.”
Starting October 28, 2024, employers will no longer be allowed to use attestations from accountants or lawyers to verify their business legitimacy under the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program. This significant change is part of a broader initiative to enhance data sharing with provincial and territorial partners, ensuring that only legitimate job offers are processed. By tightening these requirements, the government aims to strengthen the integrity of the program and safeguard against potential fraud and misuse.
REASONS WHY LAWYERS AND ACCOUNTANT ATTESTATIONS AND BE MISUSED
1. Lack of Direct Oversight: Attestations from lawyers or accountants may not involve a thorough review of the business’s actual operations or labor needs. They often rely on the information provided by the business owner, which can be misleading.
2. Conflict of Interest: In some cases, accountants or lawyers may have a vested interest in the business and may be inclined to provide favorable attestations without adequate scrutiny.
3. Limited Accountability: If a business misuses an attestation, it can be difficult to hold the accountant or lawyer accountable, as they may not have a direct role in the day-to-day operations or decision-making processes of the business.
4. Potential for Fraud: There is a risk that some businesses could fabricate or manipulate.
As these changes take effect, employers will need to adapt their practices to comply with the new regulations, ultimately contributing to a more transparent and equitable labor market.
Written by: Nathalie James
