Like a soap opera, we go from twists to twists and turns in this story of laxity at Immigration Canada. This man was hired almost 7 months ago and was waiting until a few hours ago for a permit to work … and this, despite the steps taken by the employer and the chamber of commerce with the office of Minister Diane LeBouthillier to try to speed up the process.
The Gaspé is in dire need of qualified workers. When a company back home searches for a candidate for several months and finds him, it hopes to be able to hire him. Jean-Marie Perreault from Solution Infomédia in Bonaventure knows something about it:
“Around the middle of the summer, I posted a job offer… and someone who is an immigrant, who was already working in Rivière-du-Loup, was interested in our job offer. We met him, super qualified, it’s great! ”
The story could have ended there for Jean-Marie Perreault and his future employee. But confusion at Immigration Canada caused the man to wait 7 months for work approval.
“He has a family. He has no salary. He doesn’t have the right to work, it’s almost inhuman. ”
The entrepreneur therefore decided to call on the media to denounce the situation. A good decision since in less than a few hours, the file has evolved.
“This morning, immediately after the video shoot, I heard from our employee who received an email saying that there were other steps … but, at least, he had a support of his file. “
A story that is reminiscent of other files according to the Director-General of the Baie-des-Chaleurs Chamber of Commerce, Maurice Quesnel:
“I had another file before, last year, like this. The person waited almost 8 months without being able to work, without pay. ”
A deplorable situation and for which the excuses seem forged.
“I have spoken to Minister Lebouthillier’s office on more than one occasion and I am told that it is like that … it is long … After that, I am told: it is the Covid, it is the teleworking… ”, says Mr. Quesnel.
The employer, the Chamber of Commerce and the future employee himself had to contact the Bloc opposition and the neighboring riding of Kristina Michaud.
“The employer is located in Ms. Lebouthillier’s neighboring riding. But the people questioned felt that in Ms. Lebouthillier’s office, there were not enough things being done to unblock the file. ”
According to everyone involved in this story, it is inconceivable to always use the same stratagem to advance important issues.
“And that is what is deplorable: having to call on the media for an immigration file to be released … and there, as if by magic, we realize that everything is working well,” smiles Ms. Michaud.
Asked about the situation, Minister Lebouthillier’s office sent us an email referring us to the Office of the Minister of Immigration.
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