As Canada's jobless numbers grow higher, Canadians have every right to be upset with the Governments across the Country.

 

Carney's firm stance on maintaining the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program has attracted considerable scrutiny. Nonetheless, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre also bears some responsibility, given his previous role as Minister of Employment and Social Development in the Harper Government, where he oversaw policies regarding the use and management of temporary foreign workers. If Mr. Poilievre is now committed to ending the program, it is relevant to consider his past position when he was directly responsible for its administration.

A significant factor, and likely the primary reason for Poilievre's stance, appears to be related to voting considerations and political strategy. Essentially, this approach is characterised by rhetoric rather than substantive action, even when there was an opportunity to address a programme that has had adverse effects on Canadian youth and on the millions of Temporary Foreign Workers admitted under temporary work permits.

The unemployment rate among Canadian youth aged 15 to 25 is currently estimated at approximately 15 percent. This figure rises notably when including those receiving social assistance, as well as employable youth residing with family due to discouragement or those without benefits living on the streets—groups not captured in federal statistics. The absence of data regarding these populations complicates efforts to accurately assess the overall magnitude of unemployment, which may constitute a considerably high and socially concerning figure.

Government Statistics report those of that age living in Poverty to be over 27 per cent, but the numbers are not reflective of the sheer numbers of our young people living with this burden.

Mark Carney has decided to maintain the current program, citing a shortage of Canadians available to replace Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) in existing roles. Media analysts have raised concerns about ending the program and occasionally highlight that some criticisms may be shaped by bias. Within the Conservative party, a diversity of viewpoints contributes to an ongoing dialogue on this matter. At present, no alternative plan has been presented as Canada prepares to welcome 100,000 additional TFWs.

Carney, like Poilievre, is advancing his position and utilising his arguments for comparable political purposes. The Liberal Party's primary support base is located within the densely populated urban regions of the Canadian electoral landscape, particularly in areas such as The Golden Horseshoe, Montreal, and Vancouver, which feature significant immigrant and ethnically diverse populations. Discontinuing the program may be perceived by recent immigrants or individuals who have attained landed status as a critique of both immigration and cultural diversity. Given the narrow margins reflected in current polling data, only a slight shift in voter support would be required to return the House of Commons to Conservative control.

This has contributed to ongoing concerns at the provincial level regarding the long-term impact of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, particularly in relation to higher education, trades training, and access to these opportunities. Universities and colleges have grown increasingly dependent on international students. With the recent substantial decline in foreign student admissions, many institutions are now discontinuing specific programs or, in some cases, facing closure.

Access to trades training in Canada remains limited, and many positions requiring skilled tradespeople are increasingly filled by certified workers entering the country under Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) permits to support significant projects or infrastructure development. Employers often prefer this approach as it allows them to avoid long-term investments in workforce training, opting instead to bring in qualified professionals on TFW terms that typically last three years or more.

This is wrong on so many levels and does nothing but harm the opportunities of young and older Canadians who live and reside here. Again, no one is taking action on this problem, and it is intensifying, consuming an entire generation in its wake.

Canadian youth are facing significant challenges and concerns regarding the actions of all levels of government. Many Canadians, across different age groups, express dissatisfaction with how democratic institutions have served them. Questions are being raised about the conduct and decision-making of leaders such as Mr. Carney, Mr. Poilievre, and their provincial counterparts. Young people in Canada are facing challenges in integrating effectively into society, which is prompting concern about future opportunities and the country's direction for the next generation.

 

 

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