Conference on temporary foreign workers

On Wednesday, March 12, CPJ intern Jennifer Heggland attended a policy-research seminar on temporary migration entitled “Should I stay or should I go?” hosted by the Metropolis research project. The conference featured government officials, business professionals and professors, among others, who shared their expertise on temporary foreign workers. Everyone agreed something needs to be done within government policy to better implement the Temporary Foreign Workers Program (TFWP) in the area of agricultural and low-skilled workers.

In his introduction to the seminar, Howard Duncan, Metropolis Canada executive head, insisted we all remember that “when you ask for workers, you get human beings.” The reality is many people are being exploited by their employers through, for example, low wages and poor housing. Employers are taking advantage of the many foreign workers within Canada who do not know their rights but are very aware of the reality of deportation should they lose their job.

There were many reactions about how to address the issues surrounding the growing low-skilled workers program. Several panellists wondered if the increasing low-skilled worker program is being abused, as employers hire from overseas simply to keep wages low. Others highlighted positive aspects: a representative from the El Salvadorian Embassy noted mutual economic benefits and emphasized the program should be maintained. Also, Maple Leaf Foods told of their success story in opening a new factory in which the TFWP was implemented.

James Sutherland from Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC), voiced the department’s priority in developing a “comprehensive monitoring and compliance network,” with the provinces to keep employers accountable to the contracts signed between HRSDC, employee and employer.

Many panellists agreed that HRSDC must be held accountable to their voiced priority and that we must question the intentions behind the growing willingness to hire low-skilled temporary foreign workers in more job sectors.

CPJ continues to highlight this important issue, including in the recent web feature “Come, work, leave: temporary foreign workers in Canada.” For more information, visit our website www.cpj.ca or check out the Metropolis website for details of the conference.