It would be good to have an understanding of the situation as it is inconceivable that a Canadian company would hire foreign pilots unless there was a substantial financial advantage. Some questions come to mind:
- Do foreign pilots work under more lax duty regulations?
- Are foreign pilots paid less than Canadian pilots?
- Do the foreign pilots have superior experience/qualifications?
- What are the financial ramifications for a Canadian company having seaonal employees?
It is surprising that qualified foreign pilots would accept a job with Sunwing when there are so many much more lucrative global contracts available. If their qualifications are not sufficient for the Middle East/Far East carriers then possibly the MOT should be scrutinizing their credentials a bit more closely rather than applying the "rubber stamp".
Those pilots who are stubborn and passionate enough to peruse an aviation career, even after seeing how underhanded and unethical the industry tends to be, then consider the Middle/Far East as there are plenty of opportunities. There is a high price to pay for being so far away from Canada, but for the Middle East in particular, there are positions for a long term career. Harsh conditions, but this is turning into a harsh profession.