Some guys have been flying water bombers for years, which is seasonal summer work. Many go on unemployment insurance every winter, paid for by HRSDC, the same Ministry that delivers the LMOs to the foreign pilots.
So while HRSDC pays UI to qualified Canadian pilots in the winter, it delivers LMOs for foreign pilots to come and work in Canada in the winter. These temporary foreign pilots pay zero taxes in Canada. Some of these water bomber pilots have signed the petition and stated that this seasonal 737 winter job would be ideal for them, if they were given the chance to apply. They would keep both seasonal jobs.
Wouldn't it make more sense for HRSDC to stop paying UI to the water bomber pilots in winter and letting them apply for the 737 jobs ?