Advocates Criticize Government’s Rollback of Temporary Foreign Worker Program

Advocates Criticize Government’s Rollback of Temporary Foreign Worker Program

Advocates Criticize Government’s Rollback of Temporary Foreign Worker Program

Headline:
Advocates Criticize Government’s Rollback of Temporary Foreign Worker Program

Sub-headline:
Reduction in Temporary Foreign Workers Sparks Concern Among Migrant Advocates and Employers

Article:

Ottawa, ON – The recent announcement by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to reduce the number of temporary foreign workers in Canada has drawn criticism from both migrant worker advocates and employers across various sectors.

The temporary foreign worker program, which saw regulations eased in 2022 to address post-pandemic labour shortages, is now facing tighter restrictions. Trudeau, speaking at a press conference in Halifax, stated that the government aims to decrease reliance on low-cost foreign labour, urging Canadian businesses to invest in domestic training and technology instead.

“We need Canadian businesses to invest in training and technology, not increasing their reliance on low-cost foreign labour,” Trudeau remarked. He argued that this move was necessary to protect both Canadian job seekers and temporary foreign workers, who are often subjected to exploitation.

However, migrant worker advocacy groups are pushing back against these changes. Syed Hussan, Executive Director of the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, accused the government of using temporary foreign workers as scapegoats for broader economic issues. “High unemployment, low wages, and unaffordable housing are not caused by immigrants and migrants. These are due to employer exploitation and policy failures,” Hussan said.

Raul Gatica from the Dignidad Migrante Society echoed these concerns, criticizing the government for failing to provide adequate protections for foreign workers. “Temporary foreign workers were able to do the work that nobody wanted to do … and now we are disposable. They use us and now they throw us away,” Gatica asserted, calling for open work permits that would allow greater freedom for these workers.

A recent UN report highlighted the vulnerabilities within the temporary foreign worker program, describing it as a “breeding ground for contemporary forms of slavery,” particularly due to restrictive work permits that tie employees to specific employers.

On the other hand, employers, especially those in rural tourism and hospitality sectors, expressed concerns about the potential negative impact of the reduced foreign workforce. Dan Kelly, President and CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, acknowledged some positive aspects of the program adjustments but warned that certain industries heavily reliant on temporary foreign workers could suffer. Kelly also advocated for clearer pathways to permanent residency for these workers, emphasizing the need to balance short-term policy changes with long-term labour market needs.

The government’s decision is partly motivated by efforts to address the ongoing housing crisis, but experts like Phil Triadafilopoulos, a University of Toronto professor specializing in immigration, question the effectiveness of these measures. “Reducing intake on the low-skilled or low-wage temporary foreign worker program is a very small step to what is a big issue,” he said, suggesting that more comprehensive solutions are needed.

As immigration continues to be a contentious topic, especially with its ties to affordability issues, this move by the government may signal further changes to come. However, stakeholders are urging the government to consider the broader implications for both the labour market and the lives of temporary foreign workers.