We live in a capitalist world. That’s just how it is. Companies exist to make money for their shareholders, and one of the easiest ways to save is by cutting labour costs. So, they look for the cheapest way to get the job done. That could mean outsourcing customer service overseas, manufacturing in countries with lower wages, or even bringing in foreign workers here under the guise of “opportunity.”
There’s this narrative, especially from a certain politician south of the border, about how foreign countries are “ripping us off” and “stealing our jobs” through exports. But what doesn’t get said enough is this: it’s not just about products coming in. It’s about companies in the US and Canada choosing not to hire local workers. They’re the ones offshoring jobs and labour to save money. No one’s forcing them to do that. It’s a business decision.
And I’ve seen the impact up close.
As a recruiter and in my own life, I’ve met people from countries like the Philippines, India, and Mexico who were recruited to Canada through foreign worker agencies for big-name companies. My husband was one of them before he became a Registered Nurse here. The stories he told me made my blood boil.
These are Canadian companies. And in this current wave of "buy Canadian" pride, I think we need to look a little closer. Just because it’s Canadian doesn’t mean it’s ethical.
These workers were experienced. Most were managers back home (and I am not talking about doing a different job in a different field – we are talking the exact same industry), fluent in English, capable, ready to contribute. But once they got here, they were slotted into jobs well below their skill level—sometimes with “manager” in the title, but at salaries Canadians and permanent residents would walk away from. And it doesn’t stop there. Some of these foreign worker placement firms offer free flights and housing, only to claw it back later from the workers’ paycheques.
Why? Because the companies know they’ll take it. They’ve been promised a pathway to permanent residency. They’re here trying to build a better life for their families. So, they keep their heads down. They don’t speak up about unfair treatment or poor working conditions, because they’re afraid of jeopardizing that opportunity.
And this isn’t happening at shady fly-by-night operations. These are companies with shiny brands and big reputations. But let’s be clear: When money’s on the line, those values often go out the window.
Now, you’d hope the nonprofit sector would be different. And sure, in many ways it is. But we’re not off the hook. Sometimes, we slip into the same mindset, and we need to check ourselves.
Let’s talk about volunteering.
Volunteering is great. It builds community, gives people purpose, and supports organizations doing important work. But here’s the thing, I’ve also seen it used in ways that don’t sit right with me.
I’ve heard it too many times: “If you want to get into the sector, start by volunteering.” The message is: work for free, and maybe we’ll consider hiring you. I’ve always pushed back on that. Volunteering should never be a requirement to break into the sector. And it definitely shouldn’t be a condition for being seen as a “real” fundraiser.
That used to be one of my issues with the CFRE as well when volunteering was a mandatory requirement to get certified. It doesn’t make sense. Volunteering, by definition, is supposed to be freely chosen. If it’s required, then it’s not volunteering, it’s unpaid labour. Now it is not mandatory but still highly encourage and counts towards points.
And it gets worse. Some international development organizations take this even further. They ask their volunteers to raise thousands of dollars or make a donation themselves, just to go on placement. In theory, it’s to support the mission. But in reality, it excludes a lot of people. If you don’t have the money or the right network, you’re out.
These programs often come with a small living allowance and cover the basics like airfare and housing, but that fundraising requirement creates a barrier. It ends up filtering out newcomers, people from marginalized communities, or anyone who doesn’t have cash to spare. That’s not what equity looks like.
And let’s not forget the newcomers to Canada who throw themselves into volunteer roles, hoping it’ll lead to a job. I’ve met them. They bounce from one organization to another, trying to build experience and network their way into the sector. But here’s the hard truth: if you’re already doing the work for free, why would the organization hire you?
Some volunteers are being taken advantage of. We need to stop teasing people with vague promises of employment if they just “prove themselves” through unpaid work. That’s not fair, and it’s not professional.
This is a profession. It requires skill, training, and experience. Let’s focus on that. Let’s create paid internships. Let’s support mentorship. Let’s stop using volunteerism as the gateway for people we don’t want to pay yet.
If we want to call ourselves values-driven, ethical, and community-based, we need to show that in how we treat people, especially those giving us their time, talent, and trust.