Conservative government's move is unprecedented
CBC News Posted: Dec 14, 2011 8:21 PM ET Last Updated: Dec 14, 2011 9:41 PM ET

The federal government recently issued at least 10,000 open work permits for caregivers from other countries, CBC News has learned.
The permits allow the caregivers to continue to work in Canada, without being tied to the family that sponsored them to come here. Many caregivers have complained about alleged mistreatment, long hours for little pay and poor work conditions.
Granting an open work permit allows caregivers to leave sponsoring employers without losing their permission to be in the country.
Advocates for foreign caregivers in Canada said the government's move is unprecedented.


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With an open permit, granted after their work requirements under the federal Live-In Caregiver program are met, caregivers are now free to take another job and move out of their sponsor’s homes while they wait for a decision on their applications for permanent residency.

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