Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has sparked controversy by praising a rural slaughterhouse in Brooks, Alberta, which has faced accusations of exploiting foreign workers. Smith made her comments during a town hall meeting in Fort McMurray, where she discussed immigration reform among other topics.

The slaughterhouse, owned by the Brazilian multinational JBS, has been credited by Smith for contributing to a significant local population increase by attracting thousands of foreign workers and their families. "I don’t know how JBS manages to find (foreign workers) and use our program, but they are reaching out throughout the world … to be able to do it. And I think that’s a very positive example of how other businesses would do the same," Smith stated.

However, labor advocates are questioning the narrative surrounding the facility. Bronwyn Bragg, a geographer at the University of Lethbridge who studies migration and precarious work, expressed skepticism about Smith's characterization of the slaughterhouse as an "immigrant success story." Bragg noted, "I think we need to be careful in putting forward what’s known to be a very difficult and dangerous place for foreign workers."

Bragg, who has visited Brooks multiple times this year, highlighted that many residents struggle to find work. She stated, "The number one issue there is people can’t find work." She criticized the plant's hiring practices, which favor temporary foreign workers (TFWs) over local residents, including other migrants. "The refugees and permanent residents we speak to, they’re not getting work either," Bragg added.

Bragg also pointed out that wages at the JBS facility are lower than the provincial median, with meat cutters earning seven dollars less per hour despite the demanding nature of the job. The plant began increasing its reliance on TFWs in 2005, following a strike led by resettled refugee workers. Bragg estimates that TFWs now comprise about 30 percent of the workforce, with many recent arrivals from Central America.

Thomas Hesse, head of the labor union representing Alberta's meatpackers, echoed concerns about working conditions at the facility. He mentioned ongoing issues regarding breaks for workers and highlighted the dangers associated with high line speeds and sharp equipment. "I’ve heard (meatpacking) described by some experts as one of the most dangerous jobs in the world, measured by rate of injury," Hesse said.

The JBS plant gained national attention in spring 2020 when 650 of its approximately 2,800 employees tested positive for COVID-19, resulting in one fatality. Bragg noted that there has been no evidence of improvement in working conditions since the outbreak. "When a big multinational like JBS comes to town, there are always winners and losers. Unfortunately, the workers are often on the losing end of this," she said.