Ottawa's suspension of the temporary foreign workers program last week has impacted people across Canada, with some workers wondering if they're on their last days in the country.
John Joseph Garcia, a temporary worker at Tim Hortons in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, said he's been saving money to bring his family from the Philippines to live in Labrador.
Now, Garcia said it seems like he might be the one who's forced to move.
He's been working the overnight shift at the local coffee shop for two years, hoping to bring his wife and newborn daughter to Canada.
John Joseph Garcia, from the Philippines, says he's been working to save money to bring his wife and daughter over to Canada. With his work visa set to expire next month, he may be the one forced to move. (CBC)
Garcia's work visa expires next month, and with the suspension of the temporary worker program, it can't be extended.
"I thought I could bring them here but now it's … I think it's the end, no more," said Garcia.
"It sounds crazy — I can't believe that this happened."
At the Happy Valley-Goose Bay Tim Hortons alone, 40 per cent of the staff are temporary foreign workers who will be forced to leave Canada if the suspension isn't lifted.
Garcia said everyone working behind the counter with him has their fingers crossed.
"I'll just leave it all to God, that's all I can say. He has a plan maybe, God has a plan for me and my family," said Garcia.
"I'm not blaming anyone. I don't blame the government, I don't blame the employers — it just happened."
He said the work is the same as it always was, but dreads thinking his next two paychecks may be his last.
To encourage thoughtful and respectful conversations, first and last names will appear with each submission to CBC/Radio-Canada's online communities (except in children and youth-oriented communities). Pseudonyms will no longer be permitted.
By submitting a comment, you accept that CBC has the right to reproduce and publish that comment in whole or in part, in any manner CBC chooses. Please note that CBC does not endorse the opinions expressed in comments. Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Comments are welcome while open. We reserve the right to close comments at any time.
Note: The CBC does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comments, you acknowledge that CBC has the right to reproduce, broadcast and publicize those comments or any part thereof in any manner whatsoever. Please note that comments are moderated and published according to our submission guidelines.
