Published on February 11, 2015 | by Asha Walker Photography by Courtesy of the NTFW website
0Federal changes to the Canadian workforce
An in-depth look at the changes to the temporary foreign support program.
Small businesses are suffering after the government’s changes to the immigration system. According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business the changes that are affecting small business owners.
Canada introduced the temporary foreign support worker program (TFWs) in 1973 to help fill high-skilled positions. In 2002 it was opened up to low-skilled workers as well, bringing in a new range of workers.
Todd Santos, who is the owner of Bamboo Tattoo Studio in Etobicoke, uses the TFW program to get workers. The tattooing technique he uses is a special skill.
“It’s a hand poke technique done with a bamboo shoot and needles,” said Santos. “It’s just not a part of Canadian culture…I have to outsource them (foreign workers) to train the Canadian workers.”
With the new restrictions on TFWs it makes it harder for small business owners like Santos to get workers into Canada. The restrictions require more information and allow workers to stay for a shorter amount of time. Santos said he has been following the rules and trying to get Canadian workers.
“I’ve had job posting on job bank Canada for six years and I have never had one Canadian say to me I can bamboo tattoo,” he said.
NTFW is a Canadian workers advocacy group. It looks at businesses that have used the TFW program across Canada. With businesses like Tim Hortons and RBC on their list, its mission is to make Canadians more aware of the program.
Michael Thomas, who works on the board of directors believes the governments changes don’t go far enough.
“The changes aren’t going to affect big businesses,” said Thomas.
In terms of what small businesses are going to do, he says “they’re going to have to get creative.”
Corinne Phillips, an employee at Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protection Association Ontario (HBPA) said it wasn’t allowed to use TFWs when she was working there 14 years ago. HBPA pleaded its case and was allowed to bring in foreign workers.
Though it hasn’t needed to use the program in 10 years.
“Some of our foreign workers have become permanent residents,” said Phillips, “so now we are not so reliant on the program.”
On the Government of Canada’s website says in 2013, TFWs accounted for over 40 percent the total Canadian labour force.
According to Employment and Social Development Canada the program was free from 1973-2013. In July 2013 the program costed $275 and from June 2014 it costs $1000 per worker.
“This affects my whole Canadian work force,” said Santos, “if I don’t have bamboo artist here I am not really a bamboo tattoo studio…it affect my secretary, me…all my tattoo artists.”
