PM: Canadians looking for TT drivers

Responding to a question from Couva South MP Rudy Indarsingh, during sitting of the House of Representatives, Rowley said, “The company is due here in short order for discussions and possibly signing an agreement.” Rowley said he was unaware of any commitment made by Labour Minister Jennifer Baptiste- Primus that 35,000 locals would get employment in Canada through this company. Rowley said he was unaware of allegations by Indarsingh that Hire Pro was under investigation in the Canadian province of British Columbia with respect to its offshore recruitment processes.

In the 2016/2017 Budget debate in the Senate last October, Baptiste- Primus said her ministry was exploring, “overseas employment opportunities for retrenched workers and those who are unemployed.” Against this backdrop, she said then, “I am pleased to report today that this ministry, we are partnering with Hire Pro Drivers of Canada, a Canadian-based recruitment agency.” Checks by Newsday indicated that this agency, established in collaboration with Mountain Transport Institute Ltd, “provides a comprehensive ‘turnkey’ solution to carriers seeking professional, experienced, class one drivers, mechanics, welders and other trade-related skilled professionals.

Baptiste-Primus said then Hire Pro will be sending a team to TT last December and “they have indicated to us that they have identified 35,000 vacancies in Canada for long-haul drivers and they have welcomed the opportunity to partner with us.”