Legal arguments bog down court argument over Chinese miners in B.C.

VANCOUVER – Legal wrangling has bogged down a Federal Court hearing in Vancouver over just what the judge should consider in his judicial review of temporary work permits issued to a northern B.C. coal mine.

Lawyers for HD Mining International and Canadian Dehua International are asking the court to disregard some of the affidavits filed by two labour unions.

The companies say much of the information is hearsay, with false allegations over the hiring of temporary workers at the Murray River coal mine near Tumbler Ridge, B.C.

The unions have filed arguments accusing the company of abuse of process for trying to have the affidavits dismissed.

Three days have been set aside for the hearing.

HD Mining was granted Labour Market Opinions from Service Canada to bring 201 miners from overseas to perform sampling work at the mine — work the unions say Canadian workers are willing and able to perform.