Comments made by B.C. Premier David Eby about the Temporary Foreign Workers Program (TFW) last week have caused quite a ruckus in the province.
In case you missed it, Eby essentially demanded an end to or an overhaul of the program, stating that the government’s priority should be to protect Canadians, particularly young people, to secure a strong economic future for them.
“Here in British Columbia, we see an unacceptably high level of unemployment among young people, which has been linked both to the international student visa program as well as the Temporary Foreign Worker Program,” Eby said.
Since those comments were made last Thursday, many groups have come forward to condemn them, while others have applauded the premier’s sentiments.
- You might also like:
- Vancouver ranks high for tech talent but is beat out by other Canadians spots
- Opinion: Vancouver's new City Manager faces a defining test for the city’s future
- B.C. premier demands end to Temporary Foreign Worker Program
One of the groups who have come forward in opposition to Eby’s comments is Filipino BC. The group expressed concern about Eby’s remarks.
“These remarks are misguided, harmful, and risk putting already vulnerable communities in even greater danger,” Filipino BC said in a statement.
“As a country, we owe young Canadians a social contract,” said Executive Director of Filipino BC Kristina Corpin-Moser.
“If they go to school, pursue higher education, and work hard, there should be real opportunities waiting for them. That is what it means to be an innovative, job-creating nation. The solution is to invest in growth, innovation, and job creation—not to cut from sectors that depend on foreign workers, which will only make existing problems worse.”
Filipino BC calls temporary workers “essential members of our communities who deserve respect, protection and opportunity.”
The BC Green Party also reacted to Eby’s comments, suggesting that the party was shocked by them.
Jeremy Valeriote, BC Green Party’s interim leader, said, “Individuals who have access to the TFWP should not be blamed for a program rife with fraud and abuse. Companies and corporations [that] have abused it need to be held accountable, not the migrants accessing it.”
“The Premier should be showing how British Columbia can lead this country by tackling unemployment and youth unemployment, food inflation, corporate fraud, and the housing crisis,” Valeriote added.
The B.C. premier made some further comments about the TFW program at an event on Monday, which relate to Valeriote’s concerns.
The temporary foreign worker program is failing to prevent abuse and exploitation. The federal government needs to take action.
We need an immigration system that protects workers from exploitation, and gives people hope that everyone can build a good life in British Columbia. pic.twitter.com/Bpr3yWhIAX
— David Eby (@Dave_Eby) September 8, 2025
What B.C. residents are saying about the TFW Program
fizkes/Shutterstock
The response from members of the public has been just as divided, at least on social media. Many who claim not to be supporters of Eby are siding with his comments on the TFW Program. Others suggest that ending the program could harm industries in B.C., including the food and beverage industry.
I’m an NDP member, voted for you and have made donations, *but* putting the blame on brown people, and trying to get rid of them is so wrong. Immigrants, TFW and international students keeps the service industry thriving. If you get rid of them, restaurants will shutter.
— Hilda McAllister (@HildaMcall92640) September 9, 2025
In response to our original story about the TFW Program, many readers commented.
“Many unemployed do not want to do the jobs that the foreign workers are doing. These foreign workers are very hard working,” one reader said.
Others had similar feelings.
“Probably don’t want to get rid of this program – you need these programs to fill those jobs that Canadians including young students simply are not willing to do otherwise cost of living continues to go up unabated.”
Some readers suggested that, for Canadians to be willing to work the jobs typically filled by TFW workers, wages need to increase. Others felt that Eby was pandering.
“We could have used at least a scaling back of the program before COVID, and after COVID the program was unfortunately taken advantage of by corrupt employers who didn’t want to treat their workers with respect and consideration,” another reader said.
If social media engagement is any indication, most seem to be siding with Eby.
Want to stay on top of all things Vancouver? Follow us on X