One very controversial Federal Government program right now is the Temporary Foreign Workers Program (TFW), which allows Canadian employers to hire foreign nationals to fill temporary jobs when there are no qualified local citizens available. These TFWs are employed in numerous occupations, ranging from skilled trade to domestic work to fast-food. The number of TFWs in Canada has risen sharply from 101,098 in 2002 to 300,211 in 2011 (Citizenship and Immigration Canada) and has sparked a lot of debate amongst Canadians.Many people argue the TFW allows Canada to fill a critical labour shortage and doesn't harm Canadian workers since employers are supposed to only recruit TFWs when local workers cannot be found. However, critics feel that these foreign workers are frequently exploited and their presence lowers wages and limits job opportunities for Canadian citizens. One recent situation that has enraged critics of TFWs is with HD Mining at Tumbler Ridge, BC. HD has decided to exclusively use Chinese labour for their underground mining, claiming this is because the company was unable to find qualified Canadians to perform the work. But many people feel the company is using TFWs because they can be employed for less pay and benefits. In particular, two unions have challenged HD Mining and the various government levels. The actions of HD Mining and similar companies are a definite abuse of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Unfortunately, the TFWs makes such abuse easy. Though not all companies eagerly exploit their workers, most highly prize the bottom line and are always looking for a way to cut costs. Though the TFWP is only supposed to supply foreign workers when no Canadians are available, as HD Mining as shown, it is too easy for employers to instead replace Canadian workers with more easily subjugated ones. Everyone in Canada is supposed to be treated equal, which a second class level of labour would clearly contradict. The TFWP should be removed so that all employees in Canada, whether native or immigrant, can all expect the same fair treatment. Sacrifices may need to be made, but even if it results in no more trips to Tim Hortons at 2:00 in the morning for a cheap cup of coffee, it will be worth it.This is a complicated and controversial topic and I look forward to hearing any comments you might have on the subject, regardless of your point of view - discussion is always important.
