Premier Doug Ford expressed sympathy for immigrant workers protesting outside Queen’s Park, saying their future is in the hands of the federal government.

Immigrant workers entered their third week protesting in front of the legislature after the Ford government axed the skilled trades stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) over fraud concerns .

“These are some hard-working people that have come here,” said Ford Tuesday, adding he’s been receiving calls from businesses saying these workers have been “critical” parts of their companies.

The OINP selects candidates who meet provincial labour market needs and formally nominates them to the federal government for permanent residence.

Ford said it’s “up to the federal government” to “find out if they can stay, if they ha

See Full Page