Western Canada is witnessing a conspicuous increase in number of temporary workers from foreign countries, whose temporary work visas are extended by the government to meet the demand of labour requirement.

The drive factors behind this tremendous demand of workers are: (1) due to preparation process of Vancouver for Olympics and; (2) development of oil stands in Alberta.

Statistics Canada has reported that the international migration is playing the major role in increasing the population in Canada, and thereby making it the fastest growing amongst all the provinces of Canada. Local government has been criticized by labour unions on the ground of extending the work visas of temporary workers without considering the exploitative situation of workers.

Most of the migrant workers are found involved either in residential construction, or industrial construction of Alberta. As per the industrial construction of Alberta, most of them are involved in northern tar stands project.

Joe Barrett has brought the pitiable condition of temporary foreign workers to limelight, which states that workers are not in the position of complaining against the employer. The consequence of such steps leads to expulsion from job, thereby leaving the workers with no job and legal mean to earn their livelihood, and in order to apply for new job, it takes months to change the work permit to a new employer.

The employers exploit the situation of temporary foreign workers till the extent that the workers are not even paid the promised wages. Instead of paying the full wage to the workers, the part of the wage is paid to placement agencies, or salary is given after deducting the rent f accommodation. The current wage is $ 22-24 per hour and added benefits, but the temporary foreign workers are still underpaid even after increment from $5 to $14.

Barrett holds the opinion that the workers are scared to bring this issue as complaint as this might take their status of worker from them. And this abuse on behalf of employers would be on, if the government just not appear in the scene in order to keep a check on the promises the related moves of employers.

Boni Barcia, the vice president of the Hospital Employers Union in British Columbia has reflected a serious concern regarding the situation of temporary foreign workers. He holds the opinion that there must be some public policy reform to keep the exploitation of workers under check. The most important move in this regard would be to reach these exploited lots of workers and assure them that labour movement is always with them to take them out of their problems.