Transcript 1:
Robin Speer: Is this thing on?
Random Background Guy: Uh.. yeah
PA: Ok, we’re on a tight schedule today so let’s make this fast. This is the PA Party interviewing Robin Speer and Timothy Powers, who are both active lobbyists and we’re here today to discuss the Temporary Foreign Workers Program. Why don’t you guys introduce yourselves.
Speer: Alright. I’m Robin Speer here to talk to the P.A. Party on behalf of Tim Hortons Inc.
Powers: And I am Timothy Powers representing McDonalds Inc.
PA: Great to have you. Why don’t we start by talking about what the Temporary Foreign Workers Program is. The TFWP was designed to fill the labour shortages in Canada. However, the new revisions ensure that Canadians must be given first “crack” at the jobs.
Speer: The Temporary Foreign Workers Program has been an ongoing issue for months and Tim Hortons would like to express their concerns as to the new amendments that the government has been trying to make.
Powers: McDonalds has been proposing ideas that will help improve the amendments for the foreign workers, Canada’s citizens, and the companies offering these positions.
PA: So what are your ideas?
Powers: Well McDonalds, strongly believes that all employment should be based on skill level, and not nationality or culture. As a part of Canada and its economy, we recognize the importance of developing and fostering it, however real economic additives need to be put into place and Canada should most definitely support these initiatives.
Speer: I agree. Because these foreign workers are from developing countries, the levels of their needs are much higher than those of Canadians. We already have a thriving economy and when we bring these temporary immigrants into our nation, we are enabling them to become a part of it as well. This aside, the companies that we are representing, recognizes that Canadian workers need to have a crucial role in Canada’s economy.
PA: Well how do you suggest that we manage this and fulfill the needs of OUR citizens?
Powers: Well, as Robin had mentioned, immigrants typically need as much support as possible when they are in Canada for a short period of time. There are more expenses than usual, and often times the government may even give extra assistance to the cause. But what we can do, is incorporate the foreign workers into our economy. We believe that we can set aside a specific percentage of workers that are Canadian and the foreign workers another.
PA: We agree! The P.A. Party thinks that there should be a balance in everything. Currently, these immigrants get last pick on jobs. We think that if we were to fulfill an 75% to 25% split between these workers, we would easily accomplish a balanced work space within Canada.
Speer: Of course, the numbers should be flexed a little bit but this is a great start. Thank-you for your time P.A. Party.