Exemptions to temporary foreign worker program sought in N.S.

Nova Scotia's labour minister saidshe will seekexemptions for certain industries under changes to the temporaryforeign worker program when she meets with federal EmploymentMinister Jason Kenney next week.

Kelly Regan saidsome Nova Scotia businesses will struggle under new federal rules barring employers in the accommodation, food andretail sectors from hiring temporary foreign workers in areas whereunemployment is above sixper cent.

Proposed changes would also restrict businesses from employingmore than 10 per cent of a workforce with foreignworkers by 2016.

Regan citedfish processing plants, restaurants and tourismoperations as examples of industries likely to suffer undertherevisions.

She saidthe province wants flexibility.

Regan acknowledged that while some abuses have taken place underthe program, the changes risk hurting businessby making itdifficult for employers to find qualified workers.