Portage la Prairie's MLA is raising concerns about immigrant abuse. Jeff Bereza reached out to Local Immigration Partnership Program Coordinator Mitch Tilk to offer his support after reading recent stories on PortageOnline about the issue.
Tilk shared his perspective.
"We've had some recent developments and news stories in our community about the changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker program and how that's affecting our community. As part of that, our MLA reached out to discuss this with us. We'd like to encourage anyone in our community who may be experiencing workplace abuse, particularly those with temporary work status, to reach out if they feel the need. As you know, they are more vulnerable."
Tilk added that Bereza informed him that issues such as overcrowding and unsafe living arrangements can be addressed at the MLA constituency office, located at 46 Saskatchewan Ave E. Bereza included this information in a news release titled Addressing Workplace Abuses and Housing Concerns, which was submitted to Tilk's office.
"Our office is a safe and supportive place to come and speak to someone about these issues. If you know someone facing these challenges, we urge you to visit the MLA constituency office at 46 Saskatchewan Ave. E. We take your concerns seriously and are committed to maintaining your confidentiality throughout the process. We believe that Portage la Prairie and the surrounding community should be a place where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, and where corruption and abuse are not tolerated."
Tilk noted that some individuals may be hesitant to engage with the system, particularly due to concerns about their immigration status.
"Coming at things from the provincial angle and speaking to your representative is another avenue people can take if they're worried that reporting through Service Canada or Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) might affect their status. It won't, but if you're concerned, you can go to the constituency office here in Portage la Prairie, report your experience and any abuse you're facing in the workplace or in your living arrangements, and they will take it seriously."
Bereza is not holding back when discussing concerns about the exploitation of newcomers to the community. He addressed the concerns and the issue and shares his views.
"I'm not going to sugarcoat it," Bereza said, addressing the issue. He says there are disturbing reports of exploitation.
"There are some immigrants coming to our country who are not being treated fairly. In fact, I would refer to it as human trafficking—people being forced to pay for things that are actually freely available to them. But all of this is there for them to acquire at places like the Portage Learning and Literacy Centre. There are people taking advantage of these individuals."
Bereza emphasized that newcomers today are no different than his own grandparents, who emigrated from Ukraine less than 100 years ago.
"I remember them talking about how helpful people were. And to be clear, probably 90 per cent of immigrants are being helped, but there are some unscrupulous people taking advantage of vulnerable individuals who have chosen Canada. A lot of times, it's not just their money—a whole village might send a family or a few people over. These immigrants don’t want to let down their home country, but they are being exploited. I hope those responsible for this are caught and deported for their unscrupulous actions against people who just want to live in Manitoba and Canada."
Bereza notes this behaviour will not be tolerated in Portage la Prairie, stressing that there is no place for corruption or abuse in the community.
"I want people to feel comfortable knowing that if they come forward, everything will be handled confidentially. We will do everything we can to protect these individuals from those who are taking advantage of them. We have different organizations in Portage la Prairie that are willing to help. You don’t have to pay. They’ll help with settlement services, hooking up your water, getting insurance for your home, whatever it may be—at no cost. They are here to help grow Portage la Prairie into the thriving part of Manitoba that it is."
Bereza also acknowledged the need for immigrants, as there are jobs in Canada that remain unfilled while people overseas live in overpopulated conditions. He believes they have a place here.
"It gives them a chance to raise their families. For example, I’ve never learned to play cricket, but now we have cricket being played in town behind Crescentview School and École Arthur Meighen. If you visit in the evenings, the place is full of kids playing soccer and enjoying the facilities. This is for people who want to come here and live by the rules, but there is no place for those who don’t play by the rules."