MP Advocates for Ending Foreign Worker Program with Exceptions

Grant Jackson, Member of Parliament for Brandon-Souris, has expressed his support for the federal Conservative Party’s proposal to eliminate the temporary foreign worker program, contingent upon a specific exemption for the agriculture sector. This stance reflects a growing concern over rising youth unemployment in Canada, which Jackson believes is exacerbated by the current foreign worker policies.

In a statement released on March 15, 2023, Jackson emphasized the need to prioritize job opportunities for young Canadians. He noted, “Youth unemployment is skyrocketing across Canada, which is very concerning for me as a younger member of Parliament.” His comments underscore the belief that Canadian youth should have better access to employment, especially in sectors where job creation is increasing.

The Conservative plan outlines the abolition of the temporary foreign worker program while establishing a separate framework for agricultural labor. Jackson stated, “There’s lots of producers in our ag industry that use temporary foreign workers. These are labour-intensive jobs that it’s hard to attract workers to.” He highlighted the essential role that these workers play in maintaining food production and preventing productivity losses in agriculture.

The proposal comes amid ongoing discussions about the impact of foreign workers on the Canadian labor market. According to data from the federal government, 33,722 new visas for temporary foreign workers were issued in the first half of 2023, alongside 70,000 renewals for existing workers. The Canadian government aims to admit a total of 82,000 new temporary foreign workers this year.

Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the Conservative Party, criticized the current program for contributing to an employment crisis among younger Canadians. He asserted, “We want Canadian workers to have Canadian jobs. We want to bring back high wages.” Poilievre pointed specifically to fast-food chains, alleging they prioritize hiring temporary foreign workers over local candidates.

In response to these claims, Tim Hortons released a statement clarifying that less than five percent of its workforce is composed of temporary foreign workers. The company emphasized that these employees are not a cheaper alternative, as they pay competitive wages and often cover additional costs associated with hiring through the program.

Jackson’s view aligns with the Conservative Party’s broader argument that the current immigration policies leave young Canadians at a disadvantage. He expressed concern that the government’s approach hampers youth from entering the workforce. “This is a good step to take. Until we get a handle on youth unemployment in the country… I think this is the right step to make,” he said.

The Prime Minister, Mark Carney, commented that while he is committed to reducing immigration, the temporary foreign worker program remains crucial for many employers, particularly in Quebec. He stated, “That program has a role. It has to be focused in terms of its role, and it’s part of what we’re reviewing.”

The debate surrounding the temporary foreign worker program has drawn attention from various sectors. Dan Kelly, president and CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, criticized the Conservative proposal as “absolutely ridiculous.” He argued that while questioning the program’s scope is reasonable, abolishing it entirely would be unwise, particularly in rural and remote communities that rely on such labor.

Restaurants Canada also weighed in, noting that temporary foreign workers constitute only three percent of the food service workforce but play an essential role in sustaining operations in underserved areas.

As discussions continue, Jackson remains focused on the imperative to address youth unemployment, advocating for policies that prioritize young Canadians while recognizing the importance of the agricultural sector in the broader economic landscape.