NDP Caucus

Sask. Party made and broke promises to Irish families

Posted: July 25, 2012 | E-mail this to a friend | Print view

The NDP is appalled at the treatment of 24 Irish workers and their families – brought to Saskatoon by the Sask. Party’s recruitment mission to Ireland, now stranded without jobs, proper work visas to access jobs or the means to return to Ireland.

The Irish workers have been laid off, en masse, and largely hold work visas that only allow them to work for the same company that laid them off.

“These families and their children were promised by the Sask. Party a better life here,” said Cam Broten, NDP critic for immigration. “They were promised a fast-track through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program and they were promised up to three years of work. They signed leases on homes and vehicles and set up their lives in Saskatoon only to be betrayed.”

Broten added that the damage to Saskatchewan’s reputation has been immeasurable, as Dublin media outlets have been reporting on the displaced workers

“This is another sad example of the Sask. Party performing well for photo ops and hand-shaking opportunities, but not getting the actual work of government right,” said Broten. “The Sask. Party government gutted the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program in May, and this is another black mark on their record of dealing with foreign workers and new and aspiring Canadians.”

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