In impromptu speech, Kenney defends temporary foreign workers program

OTTAWA – Employment Minister Jason Kenney gave a spirited defence of the temporary foreign worker program today during an impromptu speech to a business audience.

Kenney says most temporary foreign workers are in highly skilled, well-paying jobs from Canada’s best allies and most developed countries.

He says the vast majority are not low-paid workers from poor countries.

Kenney sparked a political uproar last month after he issued a surprise moratorium on foreign workers in the restaurant industry.

Kenney says the use of temporary foreign workers has become an unacceptable business model in some low-paying industries.

He made the remarks to a conference on North American trade in Ottawa.