'The misinformation we're trying to debunk is that migrant workers are specifically … to blame for these broader issues'
Temporary foreign workers in Nova Scotia are facing more incidents of racism and hatred, according to an advocacy group.
Citing misinformation about housing and the cost of living, the Centre for Migrant Worker Rights Nova Scotia has launched community workshops aimed at addressing the issue and fostering solidarity, according to a report from CBC.
Specifically, the community workshops are aimed at combating what staff call the "scapegoating" of people from other countries who are working in the province.
"We're helping to provide a space for community members to meet and organize and take care of each other amidst many stresses we are all facing because we are all struggling with these big issues," said Jackie Mlotek, the centre's co-ordinator for the Annapolis Valley, in the CBC report.
Mlotek highlighted that false narratives have been amplified by both traditional media and social media, making it crucial to provide accurate information.
Recent federal decisions, such as reducing immigration levels to alleviate housing and social service pressures, have inadvertently reinforced misconceptions, he told the CBC.
“The misinformation we’re trying to debunk is that migrant workers are specifically … to blame for these broader issues,” Mlotek said.
Previously, Ottawa announced the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan which “will pause population growth in the short term to achieve well-managed, sustainable growth in the long term”. Compared to last year’s plan, the new plan is:
- reducing from 500,000 permanent residents to 395,000 in 2025
- reducing from 500,000 permanent residents to 380,000 in 2026
- setting a target of 365,000 permanent residents in 2027
How do immigrants contribute to the economy of Canada?
Mlotek said there were 4,150 migrant workers in Nova Scotia last year compared to 1,510 in 2015, and they play a significant role in the province's economy.
"They play a major role in the [Annapolis] Valley and help us harvest a lot of the crops," said David Corkum, mayor of the Municipality of Kings County, according to the CBC report. "I know that without them, it would certainly be a large problem for many of our farmers."
Ottawa’s latest cuts to immigration “have many small business owners' heads spinning,” according to Dan Kelly, president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB).
“The dramatic cut to permanent immigration levels too is troubling for Canada's employers,” he said.
“And while we are experiencing housing pressures right now, any look at Canada's demographics reveals we will struggle to maintain a strong workforce without robust immigration.”
While the unemployment rate has ticked up in recent months, there are still about 379,000 persistent vacancies in the private sector, he said.
Ottawa had previously said that it is putting more limits on employers’ use of the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program.
Collaboration to combat racism
According to the Ontario Human Rights Commission, employers and municipalities can promote the values of anti-racism and anti-discrimination in their communities by promptly and actively responding to incidents.
“They should do this by collaborating with community organizations and law enforcement bodies to establish and support ways to identify, monitor and respond to acts of racism, such as hate crimes. Document incidents of racism and discrimination, and describe the actions taken in response to the issue,” it said.
Municipalities can also encourage the reporting of incidents by community members who have experienced racism and discrimination, said the commission.
“Connect with local news media such as local radio programs. Accessible reporting systems and support services can help community members deal with the effects of racism and discrimination and prevent future occurrences.”
Racial discrimination is still widespread in Canada, judging by people’s experience in the past five years, according to a Statistics Canada (StatCan) report. Overall, more than half (51%) of racialized people in Canada aged 15 years old or older have experienced discrimination or unfair treatment in that time frame.
