| Migrant Workers |
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Migrant workers are marginalized as the the ultimate other: either job thieves or so dirty that they deserve to be discriminated against. They may fall into the "economic migrant" category in many cases, which in Canada is discouraged because it is seen as a threat to "our" economy or our country. In 2001, I had the pleasure to work in S. Ontario with some of the hardest working people I have ever met. They were missing their families, birthdays, and community life in their homes. They were working 12+ hours a week and living in stifling trailers. They were paying for their own food and transportation from their home countries. They were doing all of this to provide a better life for their families and communities by earning wages much higher than those available in Mexico: $7.10 / hour. Can I say that again...$7.10 per hour. Since then their wages have increased in line with the Ontario minimum wage and per the negotiations between the Canadian and Mexican Governments. Yet, they have still not reached a wage that would provide them a wage high enough to provide for their families if they were permitted to come to Canada (fortunately, they are not... wry smile). So there is the rant. Here are some ideas to improve the treatment and position of migrant workers in Canadian society:
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