Canada

Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Manitoba law aims to protect nannies

By: Staff Writer

13/05/2009 1:00 AM | Comments: 0

OTTAWA -- Live-in caregivers in Manitoba are among the best protected in Canada under a new provincial law that took effect last month, the provincial government said.

Under the Worker Recruitment and Protection Act, the Labour Department has increased powers to investigate potential abuses and protect all foreign workers.

"I can't imagine a greater vulnerability than living in the home of your employer," said Dave Dyson, executive director of the employment standards division of Manitoba Labour and Immigration.

He said about 300 foreign live-in caregivers are hired in Manitoba every year.

The allegations against MP Ruby Dhalla have led to a demand for greater protections for live-in caregivers.

"I think what it's underlined is there needs to be a clear revamping of the caregiver program," said Winnipeg Liberal MP Anita Neville, who sat on the committee Tuesday.

Tristan Downe-Dewdney, spokesman for the Canadian Caregivers Association, said the case has raised the issue in the minds of Canadians but fears it has become a political circus that won't result in meaningful improvements.

The Live-in Caregivers program seeks to fill a void in Canada for workers willing to live in a private home and care for children, the elderly or someone with a disability.

-- Mia Rabson

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition May 13, 2009 A3

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