Proposed Visa would give temporary foreign workers permanent residency

An organization is proposing that Canada creates a visa for temporary foreign workers to reach permanent residency.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is suggesting the beginning of an Introduction to Canada Visa. The visa would give foreign workers a pathway to permanent residency, as long as the worker has an entry-level position.

"Canada was built by people who took a chance on coming here, worked hard and made a new life for themselves and their families. It's time to open those opportunities again," said Corinne Pohlmann, CFIB senior vice president.

"The truth is while business owners would rather hire locally – there's a lot less paperwork involved and it's far less costly – Canadians just aren't lining up for the positions these employers need filled. Most of these positions are anything but temporary and bringing in foreign workers is often the only option that keeps these businesses running. Business owners should have access to the labour, and the workers should be rewarded for providing it with access to permanent residency and, ultimately, citizenship."

Pohlmann spoke about the Visa during the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities.

She also provided other measures that would help small businesses and temporary foreign workers:

· Allow a pathway to permanent residency for all TFWs, including those in lower-skilled/entry-level categories, by creating an Introduction to Canada Visa or expanding the "Express Entry" system to include lower-skilled/entry-level workers

· Create a TFW Bill of Rights

· Provide stricter enforcement instead of more rules

· Take a more reasonable approach to fees

· Review all federal government programs and policies related to workforce training

"Canada needs workers of all skill sets. There needs to be more attention in our immigration system placed on bringing people in based on the needs of the economy," added Pohlmann.

"Offering all workers the opportunity to apply to stay and help build our country on a permanent basis will only strengthen our economy."