Ironworkers Local 97 is calling on the federal government to end the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program for the construction sector, citing economic pressures from new U.S. tariffs and trade uncertainty under the Trump administration.
“With the looming tariffs and trade disputes affecting our economy, it is more important than ever that we focus on putting Canadian workers first,” said Doug Parton, business manager of Local 97, which represents more than 2,300 workers in British Columbia.
The union argues that while the TFW program was designed to address labour shortages, it is being used in a way that undermines job security, wages, and safety standards for both foreign and domestic workers. Local 97 is urging the federal government to impose a temporary pause on the program within the construction industry to allow for a comprehensive review.
“Our federal government must take immediate action to curb the misuse of the program and invest in training and apprenticeship initiatives that prioritize Canadian workers,” Parton said. “We are ready to work with policymakers to implement reforms that support our skilled trades sector while ensuring fair wages and safety for all workers.”
Local 97 has long advocated for stronger labour protections and training opportunities for skilled tradespeople. The union said reforms to the TFW program should include stricter oversight and enforcement to prevent worker exploitation and ensure Canadians are given priority for available jobs.
