News Summary

Ironworkers Local 97, a British Columbia construction union, is calling for an immediate end to Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker program amid economic challenges posed by U.S. tariffs and trade uncertainty. The union argues that the program undermines Canadian jobs and wages, suggesting instead that the federal government should invest in training Canadian skilled workers. Doug Parton, the business manager of Ironworkers Local 97, emphasized that the program is often misused by companies seeking cheaper labor, which negatively impacts both Canadian and temporary foreign workers. The union is advocating for a temporary pause on the program within the construction industry to review and strengthen workforce standards, ensuring Canadian workers are prioritized, especially in the face of potential job losses due to international trade tensions.