Statement by Michelle Rempel on the Changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program
December 14, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OTTAWA, ON – Today, Official Opposition Immigration Critic The Hon. Michelle Rempel made the following statement in response to the changes made by the Liberal government to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program:
“Canadians must be first in line for available jobs, especially given Canada’s rapidly deteriorating economic situation and the tens of thousands of workers who have recently been laid off in the oil and gas sector.
“The Temporary Foreign Worker Program should provide temporary help where clear and acute labour shortages exist and Canadians are not available. It must be a last resort for employers, not part of their business model.
“The announcement that the Liberals will eliminate cumulative duration rule, known as the “four-in, four-out” rule, effectively removes the "temporary" aspect of the TFW program. Without a time restriction, it is simply a "foreign workers program" which will have damaging effects over the long run to Canada’s workforce. If the Liberal government would like to increase economic immigration, they should focus on programs such as the provincial nominee program which allows provinces to select workers to fill their particular labour shortages.
“The reforms our previous Conservative government made were committed to providing urgent, temporary options for employers should they have difficulty finding a qualified Canadian to do the work.
“Although not surprising, this announcement by the Liberal government seems to reverse that direction entirely; they are bowing to the pressure of business and corporate Canada, at the expense of Canadian workers.
“This is yet another example of the mismanagement of the immigration file and the continued failure of this Liberal Government to stand up for Canadian jobs.”
|
Saro Khatchadourian 12/14/2016 |
Contact: |
|
|
