In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada faced severe labour shortages across multiple industries. The government actively encouraged foreign workers to come to Canada under the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program to address this crisis. These individuals left behind their families and loved ones, sacrificing the comfort of home in the hopes of building a better future.

They took on essential roles in agriculture, meatpacking, and manufacturing, often working long hours under tough conditions for modest wages. We met a middle-aged couple from Colombia (we won’t use their real names). They had middle-class jobs back in their country, but here in Richmond Hill, they work for a cleaning company. They used to start working at 5 am cleaning a retail store. After they were done in that store, they moved to a shopping mall, doing the same job there.  They recently found out their visa won’t be extended.

Not all of these “temporary foreign workers”  were just unskilled labourers; among them were highly educated professionals employed in fields like information technology, engineering, and healthcare. They are finding themselves in a similar situation to the couple mentioned above, even though Canada needs highly educated, skilled work force.

Despite their significant contributions to the Canadian economy, these workers now face an uncertain future. As Canada grapples with a housing crisis, some have unfairly blamed immigrants for the issue, suggesting that reducing immigration is a solution. This perspective is deeply flawed and unjust. These workers were invited to Canada to help during a time of need, and after years of hard work and integration into society, they are now being asked to leave. Many of them have established roots, contributed to their communities, and dream of reuniting with their families in Canada. For them, it is heartbreaking to be treated as disposable labour rather than as potential long-term contributors to the country’s success.

Economist and Globe & Mail columnist Mike Moffatt has voiced support for these workers, arguing that those who have proven themselves capable and valuable to the workforce deserve a pathway to permanent residency. If they were qualified to work here for several years and continue to be employed, they should have the opportunity to stay and build their lives in Canada.

The housing crisis has complex and deep-rooted causes that go far beyond immigration. Issues such as zoning laws, slow construction processes, speculation, and lack of investment in affordable housing have all contributed to the current situation. Blaming a group of vulnerable immigrant workers for these systemic problems is not only misguided but also unfair.

Canada has long been a country that prides itself on inclusivity, diversity, and fairness. Turning its back on the very people who stepped up in a time of need would go against those values. Rather than scapegoating TFW immigrants, Canada should work towards fair immigration policies that acknowledge their contributions and provide them with a clear and just pathway to permanent residency. If Canada truly values hard work, resilience, and dedication, then it should stand by those who have given so much to support it.