Canada is betting big on higher coal exports to China, which is a key customer of metallurgical coal, a vital ingredient in the making of steel.JOHN LEHMANN
The company that hired temporary foreign workers from China for its northern B.C. coal mine says it made a comprehensive effort to recruit qualified Canadian workers.
In an affidavit filed in Federal Court, an HD Mining official says the jobs were posted over three months in nine different newspapers and job banks.
And contrary to claims, Michael Xiao says the company offered full benefits and did not require Mandarin.
The only requirements were for English and between three and five years of experience, says the affidavit.
Two unions are asking the Federal Court to review the decision to grant Temporary Foreign Worker permits for the Murrary River underground coal mine.
The parties return to court this afternoon when a decision is expected on whether the case will proceed.