Proposals could limit immigrant workers’ stay
But thousands of migrant labourers — those who land in British Columbia to pick fruit, in Ontario to work in factories and farms, or in Nova Scotia to cut Christmas trees — are anxiously waiting the outcome of a debate in Ottawa that could dramatically impact their ability to work here.
“These changes put the onus on the workers when the government should really be protecting them,” said Chris Ramsaroop, who is with the outreach group Justice for Migrant Workers. “It makes workers more fearful to speak out against the work conditions they face because their contracts won’t be extended, or they’ll be sent home.”
One migrant worker from Thailand, who came to work on an Ontario mushroom farm three years ago, said he hopes Ottawa will make it easier for foreign workers to apply for Canadian citizenship.
“There’s nothing waiting for me back home. I just wish I’m allowed to stay and continue my work,” said the man, who did not want his real name used.”
Source: Edmonton Journal, by Linda Nguyen, Canwest News Services
Tags: discrimination, labour, migrant, public policy
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