The moratorium placed last week on the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) will affect all pending and future applications made by food services sector businesses.
The Eagle attempted to speak with communications personnel from four fast food franchises in Cochrane and was unsuccessful at having any questions answered prior to publication deadline, with respect to how the moratorium would affect Cochrane businesses that hire through the TFWP. Employment Minister Jason Kenney took action last week on the controversial and ‘scandal-ridden’ TFWP program, amid criticism.
“Our government has been clear: Canadians must have the first chance at available jobs,” Kenney issued in his formal statement to media. “We have repeatedly warned employers that the Temporary Foreign Worker Program must only be used as a last and limited resort when Canadians are not available.”
Alexandra Fortier, spokesperson for the minister, said in the last year, “Applications for the stream of low-skilled workers have declined by 30 per cent”, adding that, “We are constantly reviewing the program.”
Previously, employers could request for as many foreign workers as they wished; in 2013, a fee of $275 was introduced for each application made to the TFWP. Fortier said food services businesses facing employment shortfalls must focus their efforts on local recruitment initiatives. There is currently no time frame on the moratorium.
