Being an immigrant to Canada allows me to understand the hidden hostilities that are sometimes directed at minorities. And while this country, and more specifically British Columbia, has shown me and my family great hospitality and opportunity, there are still examples of prejudice that bubble beneath the surface.
Jim Sinclair, president of the B.C. Federation of Labour, has been quoted as stating that his organization's links to Carole James and the NDP is based on "reaffirming ties with working people." And yet, it is Sinclair's push for worker's rights which is being used to cover up a deeper intolerance towards temporary foreign workers in this province.
The Business Council of British Columbia estimates that there will be more than one million job openings in British Columbia between now and 2015. This demand is fuelled by the province's incredible economic growth as well as a wave of retirement within the baby-boom generation.
From mining to construction to transportation, many industries are having difficulty finding enough workers to meet their needs. While Mr. Sinclair might try and portray his position as one which favours giving jobs to Canadians first, he fails to mention that the federal program that allows temporary foreign workers is only available to employers who have tried all other options. This means that Canadian citizens are always given first priority when it comes to filling these job openings.
Then of course, there is the story that the labour being brought into British Columbia is made up of cheap, exploited workers who are being used and abused. Union representatives have called into talk shows describing these individuals as "slaves" who are being paid wages that are below the poverty line. Once again, the facts tend to suffer when unions try and hold the province's economy hostage.
In a recent article in this newspaper by Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism Wally Oppal, these claims were put to rest. According to Minister Oppal, "While resident in British Columbia, foreign workers have all the same rights and protections as any other workers. They are fully covered and protected by laws related to their safety, human rights and employment. Any problems they may experience can be addressed through programs that all British Columbians can access."
Furthermore, a recent Vancouver Sun editorial confirmed that "There is little evidence…to support charges by the B.C. Federation of Labour that employers are using foreign workers to drive down wages…or that foreign workers who complain about working conditions are being silenced with threats that they will be sent home." It is clear that Sinclair is using the fear of inequality to stir up people's emotions.
Let me be clear: I am not suggesting that temporary foreign workers should be looked at as more than a necessary stop-gap measure. Canadian citizens should always have the first opportunity to fill these positions wherever possible.
With current unemployment at its lowest level in thirty years, however, employers have clearly done everything in their power to try and fill their worker shortages locally. This has created a climate where construction workers are getting lured from one company to another because of a bidding war.
As of this past July, there were 44,000 temporary workers in British Columbia, which represents a tiny percentage of the total provincial labour force. There is a vested interest within the labour movement to keep this number low so that their membership can continue to demand higher compensation.
Economic growth is a phenomenon that can positively impact the whole. As we approach the Olympics, the government has made a commitment that every British Columbian will be able to experience the benefits of hosting the world.
It is time for the BC Federation of Labour and their NDP political masters to understand that building this province is something that we all must do together - expediently, fairly, and with a common purpose.
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