Ex-Tim Hortons temporary foreign workers get reprieve after whistleblowing

A couple from the Philippines who complained about how they were treated while working at the Tim Hortons in Fernie, B.C., can stay in Canada for at least two more years.

Jona and Chris Pineda are part of a group of temporary foreign workers who helped initiate a human rights hearing against their boss at the time, Pierre Pelletier.They accusedhim of cheating them out of overtime pay and threatening to send them back to the Philippines.

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The allegations prompted an RCMP investigation and attracted intense media attention. Pelletier was stripped of his two franchises in Fernie and Blairmore, Alta.

Meanwhile, the Pinedas' permits expired last August, and withthe entire temporary foreign worker programin fluxthey feared beingsent home.

Then they learned Citizenship and Immigration Canada had given them areprieve.

"We are so happy. I really don't believe we get an extension for two years," Jona Pineda said. "I'm only expecting six months or a year."

The Pinedas now live in Fort Macleod in southern Alberta.As with many otherFilipino foreign workers, they raise three children on money they make at fast food restaurants and help support extended family back home.

They are desperate to stay in Canada.

"I'm pretty sure if we stay here I can give my kids a better and bright future," Pineda said.

The extension means the Pinedas will be in the country to testify at the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal hearing.They can also apply to become permanent residents.