CFIB wants temporary foreign workers program replaced by special visa
2014/12/03 3 Comments
Interesting change in tone, and linkage to permanent residency:
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business is calling on Ottawa to replace its controversial temporary foreign worker program with a visa that would provide a path to permanent residence for entry-level employees from abroad.
The organization says in a report released today it’s proposing the Introduction to Canada Visa that would address labour shortages for small businesses.
CFIB president and CEO Dan Kelly says the temporary foreign worker program has been legitimately criticized for using TFWs to fill permanent labour market needs.
He adds that small businesses would much rather hire permanent workers, but the immigration system doesn’t allow them to hire people with entry-level skills. The Canadian economy needs workers at all skill levels, Kelly says.
But still hard to see why we need to encourage low-skilled immigration.
CFIB wants temporary foreign workers program replaced by special visa – Macleans.ca.
About Andrew
Multicultural Meanderings 
Many years ago in Southwestern Ontario, there was lots of seasonal work for Canadians (usually from Quebec and the Maritimes) in tobacco, fruits and vegetables. I remember many people being very upset that they could no longer get such jobs when Ontario started bringing in workers from other countries (usually Caribbean). However, that has all gone on for so many years, since the early 70’s, that these TFW’s have become a part of our community system and I cannot imagine rural Ontario without them. One local farmer was recently given an award by the government of Jamaica for his work in this agricultural partnership which has led to other endeavours and an excellent international relationship. Many of the workers have decided to stay but others come, often to the same farm, every year for decades.
I would like to see the program remain and much more emphasis given to protection and enhancement of our agriculture in Canada. Few places in the country have the type of soil and climate to grow what we do and it seems not appreciated enough in pursuing trade with other countries.
My own family came as “low-skilled” farm labourers with little education and became the best citizens you could have asked for. My father and uncle arrived as children brought by Canada (via a Barnardo Homes ship) to work as dairy farm labourers. Yes, we need “professionals” with money but we also need those with a will to work and skills not always learned in school.
Thanks Marion as always, for correcting my bias.
Thank you, Andrew, and if anyone thinks the TFW’s don’t contribute to our economy, they should see Simcoe on a Friday night! The mall parking lots are full of buses bringing them in to town. Not only do they buy their groceries and personal needs, but our banks and post offices are kept busy as they purchase all sorts of things to send home to their families.