B.C. premier signals he won't support feds' temporary foreign worker program expansion
CBC
B.C. Premier David Eby has signalled he won't support the federal government's move to temporarily increase rural employers' allowances for temporary foreign workers, saying there should be a pathway to permanent residency instead.
It comes after an event Monday on the Sunshine Coast where the local MP re-announced a move to allow rural employers to have up to 15 per cent of their workforce be low-wage temporary foreign workers (TFW).
The new foreign workers cap is up from the current cap of 10 per cent, and would allow for eligible workers to get an automatic one-year extension on their work permits.
However, the new allowances are only slated to continue until March 2027 — and don't include workers on spousal work permits or open work permits for family members.
Speaking at an unrelated event on Tuesday, Eby repeated his previous criticisms of the TFW program, saying that it tied vulnerable workers to employers and left them open to exploitation.
"The idea that the solution to the challenges we face is an expansion of this program is frankly a bit frustrating," the premier said.
"We have advocated to the federal government on multiple occasions that ... British Columbia deserves the same opportunity as the provincial government of Quebec to direct, permanent, long-term citizenship path labour opportunities."
Eby said the feds' increased allowances in the TFW program wouldn't solve labour shortages in education, child care and the trades.
"It will bring in a group of people that will face deportation again in two more years when their licences expire. How does that help us?" the premier asked.
According to the federal government, provinces have to opt in so that rural employers can be allowed to employ more temporary foreign workers.
The changes could take effect as early as April 1, following a province's request.
But after Eby's comments on Tuesday, it's unlikely that request will be made.
That's despite a direct request from Sechelt Mayor John Henderson on Monday, who called on Eby to do so amid labour shortages on the Sunshine Coast.
Henderson was also critical of the federal government, asking for a more transparent roadmap for workers beyond March 2027.
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