Canada's West Slashes Red Tape for Foreign Workers

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The government of Canada has taken action that will make it easier for
companies in British Columbia and Alberta to recruit foreign workers to
meet chronic labor shortages across scores of industries.

The biggest change will be that businesses will no longer have to
advertise extensively for local workers before seeking help from
abroad. "It will make it easier for the many small businesses to bring
people in now," says Philip Hochstein of the Independent Contractors
and Businesses Association of B.C. "The onerous requirements of
advertising across the country have been streamlined and that was the
biggest regulatory hurdle faced by businesses. It costs $10,000 to
$15,000 and delays the process."

The change could reduce the application process by three weeks from the
typical 13 weeks to 17 weeks.

However, the unionized-labour movement was highly critical of the
program, saying it exposes foreign workers to abuses from unscrupulous
employers and takes jobs away from Canadians.

"The labour movement isn't against immigration. If we need people to
work here, let's sit down and discuss who we need and let them come
here and become Canadian citizens. This is all about bosses being able
to exploit people.", said B.C. Federation of Labour president Jim
Sinclair.

"Fundamentally, this is the wrong direction for Canada to go."