FSJ McDonalds franchisee pens letter supporting Temporary Foreign Worker program changes

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A Fort St. John franchise owner has written a letter to the city council in support of the Temporary Foreign Worker program changes.

According to a letter included in the agenda for the The City of Fort St. John council meeting on April 13th, Brian Boresky, a McDonald’s franchisee and employer, asked the city to “opt into the federal government’s new Temporary Foreign Worker program changes.”

According to a press release from the Government of Canada on March 13th, targeted and time-limited measures have been announced to help rural employers address workforce challenges while also ensuring Canadians remain first in line for available jobs. 

In the April 13th letter, Boresky highlighted the limited available labour pool in small, rural and tourism-driven communities. 

He said: “Seasonal demand is high, and housing and transportation constraints further complicate hiring.” 

“Despite ongoing efforts to hire locally and invest in training and development, these pressures make it increasingly difficult to maintain consistent hours and service levels that our communities and visitors rely on.” 

Boresky asked the council to reach out to the province’s Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth, Ravi Kahlon, and B.C. Premier David Eby to opt into the federal government’s new Temporary Foreign Worker program changes.

He alleged that major business organizations across Canada and the Federation of Independent Business have welcomed the announcement, while the Canadian Chambers of Commerce have welcomed the regional approach. 

The City of Fort St. John Mayor, Lilia Hansen, at the April 13th council meeting said: “We would like to advocate to the province of B.C. on the temporary foreign worker changes, the federal government has requested that it has to be the provinces that make the request through them to the federal government.” 

Boresky wrote he would welcome the opportunity to meet with Hansen to discuss how labour and workforce policies can better reflect the realities of communities like Fort St. John. 

“A practical, locally informed approach is critical to ensuring businesses can continue to operate, employ residents and support economic activity in the region,” he said. 

 To read the full letter, see below.