The Department of Employment said yesterday that it will continue to issue permits to foreign workers during this global pandemic, while Canada's unemployment rate at the highest it has been in decades, Blacklock's reports.
Not all MPs were happy about the move, with some wondering why the government would proceed with foreign workers while Canadians are jobless.
“The reality is we have millions of Canadians that are without work,” said Central Okanagan-Similkameen Conservative MP Dan Albas. “We have millions of Canadians without jobs. Why would your department continue to process those at this time?”
The department also revealed that they would be approving labour market impact assessments for companies who hire foreigners.
Unemployment is excepted to hit 15 percent this summer.
“Of course the labour market has changed,” said Philippe Massé, director general of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program: “Employers must demonstrate there is a genuine need.”
“In some occupations there are specialized skills that Canada does not have,” Massé continued. “We’re adjusting to the current situation and responding to a number of pressures.”
MP Albas continued to press on several steps the Trudeau Liberals have made in this time, including the $1,500 grants to farmers to put migrant workers under quarantine for two weeks.
“I have young people that are coming into the workforce and there are no jobs for them,” said Albas. “And yet we are essentially giving a $1,500 subsidy that lowers the costs for someone to utilize a temporary foreign worker versus a Canadian who is without work. Are you concerned over what signal that is sending to the Canadian people without a job?”
“It has been proven necessary over quite a number of years that temporary foreign workers are required,” replied Steven Jurgutis, director general with the Department of Agriculture. Jurgutis said the $1,500 grant was to “help with additional costs, so that would include salary” paid by employers.
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