“You should apologize for giving out 126,000 foreign worker permits and hurting 127,000 unemployed Canadians.”
What they said. What they meant.
Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.
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A bill to make many changes to Canada's immigration and border control laws. During debate, Conservatives asked questions about specific cases and raised concerns about fraud, while the Liberal minister responded but often discussed unrelated topics like Canada Summer Jobs and praised a Liberal colleague.
“I'm bragging about meeting union leaders. I want people to think I'm on their side. The real point is foreign workers are needed to fill empty jobs. Forget about the unemployed Canadians.”
“You won't admit you messed up. I want you to look bad. The union said guest workers are bad for jobs and pay. I want you to apologize and admit you're wrong.”
“I say nice things about some worker categories. That makes me look good.”
“You haven't answered my point. I said your program hurts Canadian workers. Admit you were wrong.”
“My job is to sit here and make it sound like we're doing something.”
“The chair asked me to speak. I want to say that the minister is very very bad. She should feel bad about her choices. A union leader named Doug Parton said that temporary foreign workers are just used to lower everyone's wages. Is the minister saying Doug is wrong?”
“I'm filling time by saying I work with people. Conservatives like temporary foreign workers too.”
“You've lost control of our borders. There are a lot of undocumented people.”
“Mr. Chair, the government admits many people are undocumented. Can the minister promise none work illegal jobs at construction sites the government pays for?”
“I want to say that we are working hard on this issue. We are talking to many important people. We will keep talking about it.”
“You didn't answer the question about undocumented workers. Four were found at the Calgary event centre project. Are you aware of this, and what are you doing to stop it?”
“I'm going to ignore your specific question and just keep repeating my talking points.”
“You didn't answer the question. People will be upset. The government gave money to a project. Some workers might have been treated very badly. Can you tell me one thing you did to check or stop this?”
“I don't want to answer that. I will just say Canada has rules. Workers must follow them. Businesses must follow them. Many departments are involved. I think we manage it all very well.”
“You didn't answer my first question. I'll ask a different one. Does the program only bring in foreign workers if no Canadians are available for those jobs?”
“Employers must jump through hoops to prove they really need foreign workers. It's not my department's job to know the details.”
“I'm filling my time by telling a story about how some temporary foreign workers were brought in while locals were available. This makes me sad.”
“Temporary foreign workers are needed to fill jobs Canadians can't or won't do. Employers must follow strict rules to hire them.”
“I want to praise Canada's immigration policies for being compassionate and welcoming to refugees and vulnerable people. Our government is committed to continuing this humanitarian tradition, and I thank the minister for his work on this. I have met with many grateful refugees who are rebuilding their lives in Canada, and their stories remind us of our duty to protect people in need.”