CRFA supports TFW program

The following letter was published in the Edmonton Journal on Mar. 23, 2010:

Re: “Foreign Worker Abuses on the Rise, NDP Charges,” The Journal, March 18

NDP MLA Rachel Notley’s assertion that the government should opt out of the Temporary Foreign Worker program immediately is shortsighted and ignores the fact that the TFW program is providing a win-win situation for both temporary foreign workers and Albertans.

Temporary foreign workers in Alberta’s hospitality industry appreciate the opportunity to work in Alberta and earn wages several times higher than what they could earn in their own countries, enabling them to send money home to help support their families.

The vast majority of temporary foreign workers are extremely well treated and valued by employers and co-workers alike and are enjoying their Alberta work experience. Many of them want to eventually return home to their families and friends and those who want to stay in Alberta can apply to immigrate through the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program.

Without the TFW program, Alberta’s labour shortage would have forced many restaurants to severely reduce hours or shut down altogether.

This would have resulted in staff/ management burn out, less customer service, and less economic growth, while robbing thousands of temporary foreign workers and their families the opportunity to improve their quality of life.

Mark von Schellwitz, vice-president, Western Canada, Canadian Restaurant & Foodservices Association, Vancouver