The English as a second language needs of temporary foreign workers in Alberta
Abstract
In recent years the province of Alberta, Canada, has experienced exponential growth in the number of temporary foreign workers (TFWs). Although TFWs have the same worker rights as permanent residents and Canadian citizens, these rights are not always acknowledged; TFWs are subject to exploitation by recruiters and employers. TFWs with low English language skills can have limited access to information about their new communities and their rights as workers. Previous research has exposed the flaws of the temporary foreign worker program (TFWP) and the experiences of TFWs, but little is known about the ESL needs of TFWs in Alberta. This study explores the regulation of English language skills, the English language proficiency levels of TFWs and reasons for acquiring English language training (ELT), the accessibility of ELT in terms of options and barriers, and the role of the employer in facilitating or encouraging access to ELT. This study also addresses the extent to which the ESL needs of TFWs is currently being met. Ten employees of immigrant-serving agencies and Community Adult Learning Councils completed questionnaires and/or participated in interviews and one provincial government representative was interviewed. Participants worked directly with TFWs or the TFWP and were chosen to represent rural areas, small and large cities in Alberta. The data presented very diverse results, but suggest overall that the ESL needs of TFWs are not being met. Further research should be conducted to gain a greater understanding of how the ESL needs of TFWs could better be met.
Notes
Location
Alberta
Key recommendations
N/A
Key populations
Agency, SPO, Communication, Economics, Education, Immigration, TFW, Integration, Worker,
Gaps identified/Further research
- The data were limited to the collective knowledge of participants, which means that there could be other ESL needs of TFWs that are not captured in the study, or other ESL services provided to TFWs in the respective communities represented that have not been mentioned.
- Data may also be inaccurate due to human error in reporting.
- Although the study confirmed that TFWs required English Language Training (ELT) for settlement and work needs, participants were not asked to elaborate. Future research, such as case studies, should be conducted to increase our understanding of these needs.
- There is a need for further research to explore the ESL needs of TFWs in other rural areas, small towns, and small cities, as well as to conduct case studies to gain a deeper understanding of these needs
Key findings
- The questionnaire designed to collect data on English Language Training (ELT) for Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) was not effective, as many of the items were not applicable to some participants
- Transportation has been a challenge for TFWs attending ESL classes in large cities, as they may have long commutes on public transportation after evening classes
- Statistics regarding TFWs’ participation in ESL classes or ELT training are unavailable, and no records are kept of TFWs who access ELT providers
- TFWs may feel embarrassed or reluctant to ask for clarification when they do not understand, leading to communication breakdowns 21.
Community organizations
N/A
Integration timeline
At what point during the integration process the study was conducted?
NA
Open-access – No
