HECOL 440 Policy Briefing Note - "Should the Canadian Federal Government Modify the Temporary Foreign Worker Program?"

Emerging from HECOL 300 (Policy Development and Evaluation), I initially lacked enthusiasm for public policy upon entering HECOL 440 (Family Policy Issues). In HECOL 440, the task was straightforward: compose a briefing note on a Canadian family policy. Drawing upon my immigrant experience, I explored the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program, a topic intimately connected to my journey (see My Story).

Traversing the complexities of the TFW program, I adopted a human ecological lens, acknowledging the intricate links between immigration policies and broader family dynamics. My focal point aimed to reshape the program to guarantee equal social and civil rights for foreign workers, seamlessly aligning with my mission to champion collaborative learning for holistic well-being and social equity. 

One notable challenge during crafting this briefing note was sourcing accurate information on the TFW program. Given the program's establishment by the Canadian federal government in 1973, I encountered difficulties in finding updated information reflecting amendments geared towards inclusivity and diversity (The Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities, 2016, p. 1). The prevalence of outdated data presented a hurdle that required careful navigation in presenting an accurate and comprehensive policy brief. 

This journey resulted in more than a policy briefing note; it sparked a newfound passion for public policy, particularly in advocating for minority groups like immigrants. The subsequent class presentation evolved into a platform for me to impart insights from my human ecological perspective, stressing the imperative need for policies that encompass the holistic well-being of families. My comfort in presenting the briefing note likely stemmed from my personal investment in the family policy under consideration. In hindsight, I would have made my presentation more accessible by reducing the text on each slide and only highlighting select bullet points to serve as a visual guide for my oral speech. Additionally, I would suggest re-abbreviating the program's name to "TFW program" rather than "TFWP," as many sources I referenced consistently used the former to refer to the program.

This artefact is a significant stride toward my career aspirations as a health policy analyst, positioning me to influence policies that champion social equity and holistic well-being, explicitly focusing on immigrant families. My experience has refined my understanding of policy development and solidified my commitment to contributing meaningfully to the welfare of diverse communities.