Media Advisory - Critics of TFW Program Picket Minister's Constituency Office

AFL and TFW advocates urge minister to end exploitation and abuse of migrant workers

CALGARY, June 19, 2014 /CNW/ - In advance of the announcement of his much-delayed changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker program, Minister Jason Kenney is being urged to end exploitation and abuse of migrant workers.

On Thursday, June 19, at a rally outside Minister Kenney's office, Alberta Federation of Labour president Gil McGowan joined migrant worker advocate group Migrante in calling for changes that are in the best interests of Canadian workers and migrant workers.

"Canada needs immigration. But the Temporary Foreign Worker program is not immigration, it's exploitation," McGowan said. "This program puts migrant workers in a position where they're beholden to their employer – and that makes it easy for unscrupulous employers to exploit them."

This morning, rumours circulated that the announcement of changes to the program could happen as early as 1 p.m. MT. Media looking for comment on the changes are invited to visit the peaceful demonstration outside the Minister's office. 

Who: AFL President Gil McGowan

When: 1 p.m. (MT) Thursday, June 19

Where:	Hon. Jason Kenney Constituency Office
	1168 137 Ave SE
	Calgary, AB T2J 6N5

SOURCE: Alberta Federation of Labour

MEDIA CONTACT: Olav Rokne, Communications Director, Alberta Federation of Labour at 780.218.4351 (cell) or via e-mail [email protected]