In an immediate action pertaining to the controversial Temporary Foreign Worker Program, Federal employment Minister Jason Kenney has suspended fast-food industry's access to the program.
The announcement came Thursday, shortly after the C.D. Howe institute released a study into the program stating the program had spurred joblessness in BC and Alberta.
"Abuse of the temporary foreign worker program will not be tolerated," Kenney said Thursday evening.
"Those employers who are found to have lied about their efforts to hire Canadians could face potential criminal prosecution with sanctions that include fines and jail time."
Further, the minister added that the ministry will not process any new or pending applications for temporary foreign workers from restaurant operators. Also, any unfilled positions tied to previous approval will be suspended, the minister said.
"The moratorium will remain in effect until the completion of the ongoing review of the temporary foreign worker program."
Recently fast-food chain McDonald's announced that it is freezing its participation in the program pending a third-party audit on its use of the plan.