The report prepared by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (2014) throws light on the difficulties faced by many small and medium-sized companies working in the country. In particular, the authors discuss the shortage of workers and the need to reform the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). It is important to evaluate this report and discuss the arguments of the authors who are able to show that popular beliefs about the practices of enterprises are not justified.
Overall, I can agree with the assumption that small enterprises should not be facing too many bureaucratic difficulties when they need to recruit foreign workers. Such a problem as the shortage of skilled labor in Canada has been discussed by other researchers (Hedge & Borman, 2012, p. 106). They believe that it is necessary to develop legal mechanisms that can address this issue (Hedge & Borman, 2012, p. 106). Moreover, the authors of the report provide proper evidence to support their arguments.
For instance, they include the results of surveys reflecting the opinions of many entrepreneurs. They note that the shortage of labor force is the main threat to the performance of their businesses (Canadian Federation of Independent Business, 2014, p. 3). Additionally, the researchers refer to statistical data which can show that this problem affected Canadian businesses for approximately a decade. Furthermore, the authors describe the peculiarities of their research; for instance, their report includes the questionnaire that business owners needed to fill. So, it is possible to accept the arguments made by the authors.
Their claims are not based on mere speculation; more likely, they reflect empirical data that must not be overlooked. This is why policy-makers should consider the suggestions offered by researchers because in this way they can contribute to the growth of the Canadian economy. In particular, they should find ways of eliminating possible bureaucratic barriers influencing many companies.
This report is useful because it debunks some of the myths and stereotypes about hiring foreign workers. For instance, many people believe that businesses want to employ foreign citizens only because they want to pay lower wages. Moreover, they allegedly want to reduce the role of trade unions. However, this report suggests that companies may not find the necessary candidates, even if they offer high wages (Canadian Federation of Independent Business, 2014, p. 10). This issue is not always considered by policy-makers and journalists who often pay attention only unscrupulous practices of some companies that hire migrant workers, even if they can employ Canadian citizens. However, these practices are not very widespread. By focusing only on such cases, journalists can make many people prejudiced against business owners.
Moreover, the authors show that businesses have to hire foreign workers only if they have no other choice. They usually have to spend more money on advertisement, recruitment, travel expenditures of foreign workers, and so forth (Canadian Federation of Independent Business, 2014, p. 15). In many cases, it is much easier for them to hire local employees, but they do not always have this opportunity. This difficulty is often disregarded by legislators.
Moreover, one should keep in mind that businesses have to rely on TFWP only when they need to hire a small number of workers (Canadian Federation of Independent Business, 2014, p. 12). They do not do it to dismiss Canadian employees. These are some of the stereotypes that are challenged in this report.
By focusing on these details, the authors encourage readers to look at this issue from the perspective of business owners who do not always have the opportunity to influence the work of governmental institutions. In many cases, people believe that entrepreneurs only want to minimise their labor expenses. However, they forget that these companies also employ many Canadian citizens. Moreover, these companies may not remain competitive if they cannot hire workers as quickly as possible. In their turn, the authors raise people’s awareness about this problem. So, this discussion can strengthen the position of entrepreneurs.
Overall, this report is not intended for entrepreneurs; more likely this document should be read by legislators and governmental officials. They need to examine the recommendations included in this document (Canadian Federation of Independent Business, 2014, p. 27). They should not overlook the problems that small businesses have to resolve. Moreover, they need to improve existing programs for hiring foreign workers.
These improvements can protect the economic security of many Canadian citizens. However, this document should be read by business owners. These people need to know that their HR problems are familiar to many entrepreneurs. Moreover, these stakeholders should work together in order to promote their interests and influence the work of legislators. This cooperation is critical for eliminating the drawbacks of existing policies.
To some degree, this report can alert public administrators about the inefficiencies of existing laws. If the suggestions offered by researchers are implemented, many businesses will be able to increase their profitability. Additionally, these companies will not have to struggle with the shortage of labor force. These are the main details that can be identified.
Reference List
Canadian Federation of Independent Business. (2014). Taking the Temporary Out of the TFW Program. Web.
Hedge, J., & Borman, W. (2012). The Oxford Handbook of Work and Aging. New York, NY: OUP USA.