Changes announced for foreign workers program

The federal government has announced changes to the controversial foreign workers program.

One of the changes is that employers in places with high unemployment won’t be allowed to apply for temporary foreign workers in the lowest wage and skill groups in the accommodation, food services and retail sectors.

The government will also cap the number of low-wage temporary foreign workers allowed at each work site.

Employers who hire temporary foreign workers must promise not to lay off any Canadian workers or cut their hours, and must tell the government how many Canadians applied and were interviewed for jobs, along with why they weren’t hired.