Industry Leaders Challenge Calls to End B.C.’s Foreign Worker Program

Industry leaders in British Columbia are responding to recent statements from Premier David Eby regarding the temporary foreign worker (TFW) program. Eby, alongside federal Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre, has suggested that the program should be scrapped or reformed, citing its alleged connection to high youth unemployment rates in the province.

During a press conference earlier this week, Eby attributed the province’s youth unemployment rate of 12 percent to various immigration programs, including international student visas and the TFW program. Many stakeholders within the hospitality sector, however, argue that this perspective is misguided.

Concerns from the Hospitality Sector

Brad Macleod, president and managing partner of C-Lovers Fish and Chips, emphasized that the narrative surrounding TFWs as a means of obtaining cheap labor is inaccurate. “It costs us $5,000 to $8,000 to bring in a foreign worker. We pay the same wage,” he stated. Macleod criticized the government’s approach, suggesting that it has turned the issue into a political tool while neglecting the complexities of labor shortages.

According to the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association, approximately 200,000 restaurant employees work in British Columbia, with TFWs accounting for only around 3 percent of that workforce. Macleod noted that C-Lovers currently employs two TFWs and struggles to fill essential kitchen positions. “We cannot find kitchen staff. We need daytime workers, and students can’t fill those spots,” he explained.

Removing the TFW program, Macleod warned, could lead to a decline in service quality within the hospitality industry. “In a year, you’re going to see lower services, you’re not going to get quality service, food will take longer because we’re not going to have the staff,” he added.

Construction Industry Perspectives

In contrast, some leaders within the construction industry have highlighted abuses of the TFW program by certain employers. Doug Parton, business manager for Ironworkers Local 97, stated that “bad-faith employers” have exploited the program, often hiring TFWs at significantly lower wages, which undermines employers who invest in local training and apprenticeships.

“You lose out on the bid because you’re not competitive anymore,” Parton remarked, pointing to a distortion in the labor market that affects those committed to developing Canadian workers.

The debate over the TFW program has reached the federal level, with Prime Minister Mark Carney indicating that the government will review its structure. Carney acknowledged the importance of the program in maintaining the workforce across Canada but did not specify any immediate changes.

As discussions continue, the implications of these proposed reforms remain significant for businesses and workers alike in British Columbia. Industry leaders are urging a careful examination of the TFW program, emphasizing its role in filling critical labor shortages while addressing concerns about potential exploitation within the system.