Temporary Foreign Workers in Canada: Reconstructing “Belonging’ and Remaking “Citizenship’
Abstract
This article brings perspectives of temporary foreign workers into academic and policy discussions. I focus on their experiences of different stages of immigration process. I interviewed Filipino workers because of my close relationship with the community and because Filipino nationals dominate the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Ultimately, this article discusses the reasons why Filipino workers aspire to stay in Canada and discusses how they perceive their social and economic status as TFWP participants. Based on the data collected through interviews, I argue that temporary workers’ desire to stay in Canada is grounded in their unwillingness to return to the economic uncertainty facing them in the Philippines. Another reason is them viewing life abroad as indicative of success. Finally, over the course of their TFWP, Filipino workers establish the sense of belonging in Canadian society. All these factors justify temporary workers’ claims to formal citizenship. Overall, this study argues that Canadian immigration policy should be adjusted to accommodate the needs and expectations of temporary foreign workers to stay in Canada.
Notes
Key findings
Two main findings that underline why foreign worker are not inclined to return to their home countries. First, the economic hardships that pushed them to migrate in the first place remain significant in their home countries. Given this, they do not want to return to the same economic hardships they used to experience, if they have to return. Second, they find themselves emotionally attached to Canada because they’re used to living in Canadian society.
Community organizations
Through ‘Migrante Alberta’
Location
Edmonton, Alberta; Calgary, Alberta; Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta; Red Deer, Alberta
Key recommendations
Temporary foreign worker’ expectation to stay in Canada, where they consider home, to be accommodated.
Key populations
25 Filipino migrants
Gaps identified
The immigration policies not allowing temporary foreign worker to receive permanent residency in Canada
Integration timeline
At what point during the integration process the study was conducted?
Migrants who have been in Canada from 2 to 8 years
Open-access – No