Advocacy Group Demands Worker Fund After $1M Fine on Bolero

A migrant workers advocacy group is urging the federal government to establish a trust fund for employees of Bolero Shellfish Processing Inc. after the company was fined $1 million for violating regulations of the temporary foreign worker program. The penalty was imposed on September 17, 2025, following findings that Bolero breached hiring laws, paid workers less than promised, and failed to maintain a workplace free from abuse.

According to the federal government, Bolero’s infractions included not providing sufficient hours to employees compared to what was initially advertised. This situation highlights broader issues faced by migrant workers, as noted by Niger Saravia, an organizer with the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change. Saravia emphasized that the experiences of workers at Bolero are not isolated incidents, reflecting systemic problems within the industry.

The advocacy group believes that fines imposed on employers like Bolero do not adequately support the workers who suffer from mistreatment. They are calling for the federal government to allocate a portion of these fines into a trust fund designed to compensate affected employees. In addition to financial reparations, the organization is advocating for permanent resident status for migrant workers, aiming to provide them with greater security and rights in the workforce.

The call for action comes at a time when scrutiny over the treatment of migrant workers in Canada is intensifying. Advocacy groups argue that without substantial reforms, issues such as wage theft, inadequate working conditions, and exploitation will continue to persist. The establishment of a compensation fund could be a significant step toward addressing these challenges.

As discussions unfold, the fate of Bolero’s workers remains uncertain. The Canadian Press first reported this story on October 8, 2025, highlighting the ongoing need for systemic change to protect vulnerable employees in the labor market. The resolution of this case could set a precedent for how similar violations are handled in the future, potentially reshaping the landscape for migrant workers across Canada.