Changes to TFW program deeply unfair to some small businesses

TORONTO, April 25, 2014 /CNW/ - The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is deeply concerned that a moratorium on restaurants' ability to access the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) will push some small businesses to the brink, and is calling on the federal government to end the moratorium quickly.

"For a government that has been very supportive of Canada's small business community, this decision is a slap in the face to entrepreneurs in the food services sector," said CFIB president Dan Kelly. "A public conviction of an entire industry is deeply unfair to the thousands of restaurant operators who use the program appropriately and follow all of the rules."

CFIB members are strongly supportive of any action to crack down on those who abuse the program. In fact, in a recent survey, 85 per cent of small business owners said that access to the TFWP should be revoked for those who misuse it.

"But the fact is, for some businesses – particularly those in smaller communities, resort towns or resource rich areas – ending their ability to use the TFW program has real potential to put them out of business altogether," added Kelly. "CFIB will be lobbying hard to convince the government to end the moratorium and work on solutions to address any ongoing problems."

CFIB has recommended that government pursue a specialized TFWP stream for the restaurant and hospitality industry, built in similar fashion to the seasonal agricultural worker program. CFIB further advocates changes to the permanent immigration system to make it accessible to employers in need of lower-skilled workers.

CFIB is Canada's largest association of small and medium-sized businesses with 109,000 members across every sector and region.

SOURCE: Canadian Federation of Independent Business

To arrange an interview with Dan Kelly, please call Al Maggi at 416-222-8022 or via email at [email protected]