2007-04-26
The deaths of two Chinese workers at an oilsands construction sote in northern Alberta Tuesday has reignited a debate over Canada's temporary foreign worker program.
The Winstor Star
B1
Calgary
The deaths of two Chinese workers at an oilsands construction sote in northern Alberta Tuesday has reignited a debate over Canada's temporary foreign worker program.
Energy company Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. confirmed Wednesday that the victims were Chinese employees who had been brought over by an unnamed Canadian contractor.
Four others who were injured are also from China.
Gil McGowan, president of the Alberta Federation of Labour, said questions surrounding the accident's cause are "more urgent" due to the involvement of foreign workers.
He called on both the Alberta and federal governments to broaden their investigation to include a look at whether the temporary foreign worker program is at all blamed in the deaths.
"For example, did these workers receive adequate health and safety training before they started working on a Canadian worksite?" MCGowan asked.
"These are questions that aren't always addressed in ordinary health and safety investigations but, guven the nature of this particular workplace accident, we think the investigative authorities need to leave no stone unturned."
Alberta, foreign workers, oilsands, accident, safety
Oil and gas well drilling and related workers and services operators
Cas d’abus documentés
Alberta
Anglais