Temporary foreign workers could fix Gander hiring woes, says Chamber of Commerce

The Gander and Area Chamber of Commerce says easing access to the Temporary ForeignWorkers Program (TFWP)could help local businesses that say they are having trouble finding workers.

Chamber chair DebbyYannakidissaid the program has been used in the past by local restaurants.

"We've had several businesses in the area as recent in the last couple of years thathave been utilizing the program," saidYannakidis.

"So it has been successful and it can be successful."

Major changes came to theTFWPin 2014 after a CBC investigationinto alleged abuse of the program. Yannakidissaid the changes led to more "red tape" which makes it harder for businesses to apply.

"We want to encourage local businesses to hire local residentsbut if you can't stay in business because there are no people applying, you need to have that program,"Yannakidistold CBC News.

High unemployment, low application rate

The unemployment rate for Newfoundland and Labrador in February was 17 per cent. TheTFWPbars employers from hiring low-wage temporary foreign workers when the unemployment rate is above 6 per cent.

Yannakidissaid she's hearing from employers in Gander that even with high unemployment, wanted ads are seeinglow applications.

"Not just the service industry," she said. "In a lot of businesses in the area that we're hearing. That it's very difficult to find applicants, period. And then in some cases maybe qualified applicants. But it is a struggle."

She added that bringing in new people to the province could help increase a falling population rate.

"The Temporary Foreign Workers Program fulfills not only the jobs that we need to fill now but it also helps against the aging population," saidYannakidis.