Dear Editor:
So on Friday, Judge James Russell made a ruling regarding HD Mining International's hiring of temporary workers and denied unions an injunction, saying it is unclear there would be any damage to the Canadian labour market.
B.C. Jobs Minister Pat Bell has defended HD Mining's plan to use temporary foreign workers and recently suggested the jobs linked to exploration work are slated to last up to eight months. (Actually it is more likely to be at least four years or more.)
It's too bad we can't replace Judge Russell and B.C. Jobs Minister Pat Bell with foreign workers as well. To me, these two so-called professionals are taking away qualified Canadian workers' rights to these jobs.
The only reason HD Mining is hiring these foreign workers is because they are being paid a lot less. Jobs in Canada should go to Canadians first and not to outside foreign workers.
If HD Mining does not comply with hiring Canadians first, I would like to see the government stop the operation of HD Mining till they agree to hire Canadian workers first.
As far as Judge Russell goes, it is too bad judges are not elected in this country. Hopefully that will change in time.
And as for B.C. Jobs Minister Pat Bell, I'm sure
with the election next year, he will be replaced as he rightly so deserves.
Cody Tabois, Burnaby
