RBC denies shifting jobs to foreigners
Bank’s hiring practices face federal scrutiny
TORONTO — The Royal Bank of Canada says it plans to discuss some of its hiring practices with the federal government after a media report claimed the bank was employing temporary foreign workers to replace some Canadian staff.
Canada’s largest bank says it has not hired foreign workers to take over the job functions of current employees, but it does say it uses external suppliers as one of its strategies to improve “operational effectiveness.”
RBC says the agreements it has with its suppliers include strict controls and continual monitoring to ensure the company abides by Canada’s regulatory requirements.
Human Resources Minister Diane Finley issued a statement saying the RBC situation is unacceptable if it is true.
A CBC News report quotes an employee working in IT systems support for RBC Investor Services in Toronto who says he and dozens of other employees at the bank are losing their jobs to temporary foreign workers.
Dave Moreau told the public broadcaster that he and others are being made to train the new workers who will be taking their jobs.
CBC said the foreign workers are employed by a multinational outsourcing firm named iGATE Corp.
The company’s website says it has offices that provide services for RBC in India.
The company’s website also indicates it provides services for TD Bank and Pratt and Whitney Canada among other international clients.
The CBC report has sparked online calls for a boycott of RBC.
One blogger has called on offended customers to transfer their business to other institutions.
Some commenting on blogger Norm Farrell’s post said they planned to cancel their accounts.
On Facebook, a “Boycott Royal Bank of Canada” group called on customers to voice their discontent by writing to the prime minister and his cabinet.
Immigration Minister Jason Kenney’s office referred questions on the matter to Finley’s office.
Finley said her department would be working with Citizenship and Immigration Canada to determine next steps regarding the claims against RBC.
“We have recently learned of allegations that RBC could be replacing Canadian workers by contracting with iGATE, which is filling some of the roles with temporary foreign workers.
“If true, this situation is unacceptable,” Finley said in her statement.
“Canada is experiencing significant skills and labour shortages in many regions. When there are jobs available, Canadians must always be the first in line for opportunities from employers who are hiring.”
In 2012, there were more than 213,000 foreign workers in Canada, compared with more than 160,000 immigrants who arrived under the federal skilled worker program.
“When there are jobs available, Canadians must always be the first in line for opportunities.” DIANE FINLEY, FEDERAL HUMAN RESOURCES MINISTER
The rapid growth of the temporary foreign worker program has raised concerns that Canadian companies are filling job vacancies with cheaper workers from overseas rather than actively finding Canadians to fill the jobs.
Much of the government’s latest budget, released in March, focused on reversing that trend, with millions being allocated for training and job creation programs.
At the same time, the government is continuing to overhaul the temporary foreign worker program.