Many in B. C. want fix for foreign worker plan: poll

A new poll suggests that a majority of British Columbians have negative views of the temporary foreign workers program, but only a minority want to see it end.

Overall, 53 percent of those surveyed oppose the program, but only one in five ( 22 percent) want to see it abolished, and three in five, or 60 percent would like to see the program continue, but with greater scrutiny.

The Insights West poll, which surveyed 824 British Columbians over the age of 18, showed that only four per cent would keep the program as it is with no change.

Mario Canseco, vice- president of Insights West, said recent media coverage of the temporary foreign workers’ program, including the moratorium imposed on the food service sector by Employment minister Jason Kenney, has raised awareness of the negative aspects of the program.

However, “the overall support for not abolishing the program means that with greater scrutiny of the program, the level of support could be higher down the road.”

Sixty- eight per cent of respondents said they are “very familiar” or “somewhat familiar” with the program.

Harsha Walia, an activist and author said: “Recent news stories about Tim Hortons, McDonald’s and the food service moratorium have had a huge influence on public perception. Until recently most people didn’t even know this program existed.”

Walia hopes coverage of the larger issues that drive the temporary foreign workers program will ultimately lessen resentments and animosities against the workers.

Larger issues at play — such as shifts in immigration policy, which make it more difficult to enter Canada as a permanent resident — have made the program one of the only ways people wanting to immigrate can enter the country, Walia said.

“The workers aren’t responsible for local job losses or their own exploitation. This is a legal program, the government has been expanding the program and cutting back paths to residency.”

One of the difficulties, said Walia, is the stories don’t include the voices of temporary foreign workers, many of whom are “invisible and afraid to speak out.”

“Most jobs are not lost because they are being taken by migrant workers. Most job losses are … driven by cuts.”

Canseco said the public’s interest for continuation, but greater scrutiny of the program shows “there is a certain appetite to see some changes, but there could be an opportunity here for more public engagement and understanding on how it works.”