The Yorkton Chamber of Commerce is concerned about what is happening with the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, and hopes that it can quickly be reinstated. They recently drafted a letter to Garry Breitkreuz to advocate for getting the program reinstated.
Juanita Polegi, Executive Director of the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce says that businesses in the area are seeing the impact of the program being suspended.
She says that there are jobs that need to be filled, but not enough people to fill them.
"There just isn't a steady supply of Canadian labor available to fill these positions."
Polegi says that due to the program's suspension, some businesses have had to put expansion plans on hold or have to limit their operating hours due to a lack of staff.
There has been some controversy surrounding the program, Polegi says that in many cases people are not well informed. She notes that it is expensive and time consuming to even apply, making it a last resort for the majority of businesses which take part.
While some have abused the program, Polegi stresses that there should not be a knee-jerk reaction against it, and that the many fair and equitable employers should not be punished due to the actions of a slim minority.
The Chamber of Commerce would like to see the moratorium lifted immediately, and allow places like Yorkton which are facing a labor shortage to bring in people who are interested in working, Polegi says.
"Before you completely change this program, look at disciplining those businesses that have abused the program, but don't create a disservice to all of those employers who have been following those rules and regulations."
