I think the issue of temporary foreign workers is a complex one.
I can say, Mr. Martin, that I have actually spoken with...and Mr. Jean has made the point that in many cases, in fact, the cost of temporary foreign workers is actually higher than the cost of local. I think that in fact is accurate, in a lot of cases; my understanding is that it costs employers more.
There is a broader issue, and that is the emergence of a trend where we have jobs without people and people without jobs, and the need to close that skills gap within Canada. I think that speaks to, among other things, restoring the honour of trades, the dignity of trades. Part of it is cultural, part of it is public policy, but over a 30-year period we've seen a diminution in the dignity and honour of trades and a herding of everybody to universities as opposed to a recognition of the importance of trades and the need for tradespeople. It's one of the reasons why we need to have a more robust role for the federal government in the area of training and engagement of the provinces in that area.
I do think temporary foreign workers in some sectors actually play a very important role in terms of the production chain and the value chain. Furthermore, I know a number of employers who use them, and I do not see the conditions that.... Perhaps there are cases where the conditions are really bad, but I've seen in fact, to the contrary, some very reasonable conditions, and beyond that, people who on an annual basis will work for Canadian employers and use that money to build homes in their home country and to really bootstrap themselves and help....
I know this is distinct from the cases you're describing, but in some cases they're taking jobs that could not be filled locally, where there were not Canadians who had either the desire or the skills to fill those. But I realize that's distinct from some of the cases.
I would just say that it's a complicated issue and one that requires more time. The training issue is an important one.
Thank you.