The Canadian fashion industry, including Alecia Bell of Elite Toronto, speaks up about the importance of foreign models being able to quickly obtain work permits in Canada and how the current process has led to large financial losses for Canadian workers.
Canadian retailers, modelling agencies, photographers and hundreds of other members of the fashion industry are calling on the federal government to expedite applications to bring in foreign models and eliminate the $1,000 fee employers must pay for every foreign worker they hire.
Alecia Bell, president of Toronto’s Elite Model Management, one of the world’s most prestigious modelling agencies, says she recently lost a contract worth $300,000 due to delays created by the changes, and fears the new rules will put more Canadian jobs at risk.
In an interview with CBC News, Bell explained that not receiving a work permit in time to hire a foreign model meant 25 to 35 Canadian jobs had to get cancelled — including hair and makeup artists, stylists, photographers, videographers, equipment rentals, caterers and car services. The trickle-down effect is massive.
«These are people that rely on us for their income… while they may not work for three weeks, they have rates that are established for that one or two weeks of work that are high enough to substantiate their profession. Losing that client is devastating financially.»
Bell said Canadian retailers – such as Holt Renfrew, Hudson’s Bay Company, Reitmans, Suzy Shier, just to name a few – must hire foreign models for their catalogue shoots in order to compete with international retailers operating in Canada.
What do you think? Is the government policy fair? Should Canadian companies be hiring Canadian models? Do you agree with Alicia Bell? Share your thoughts in the comments!
