The province’s latest energy deal with China could lead to another round of issues surrounding the use of temporary foreign workers (TFW), according to the United Steelworkers (USW).
British Columbia signed a memorandum of understanding with China last week with the intention of increasing energy trade, with a particular emphasis on liquefied natural gas (LNG).
The USW said the deal will involve the government facilitating the entry of foreign workers to work on LNG projects.
“History is repeating itself,” said USW western Canadian director Stephen Hunt.
“In the HD Mining case in Tumbler Ridge, the company claimed it couldn’t find any qualified Canadians and hired miners from China.
“In fact, hundreds of Canadians had applied for positions, including many with several years of mining experience.”
Hut said the government is more interested in cheap labour for big business than finding jobs for British Columbians.
“When is the BC Jobs Plan going to be about jobs for British Columbians?”
Ken Neumann, USW national director, said the government should focus on training opportunities for unemployed Canadians.
“Our union, like most British Columbians, supports the responsible development of our natural resources,” said Neumann. “But to achieve social licence it must be linked with job opportunities for our people.
“The B.C. Liberal government is shamefully ignoring this responsibility.”
- With files from Nelson Bennett
