Last December, the Liberal government announced it was cancelling a controversial program that allowed exotic dancers to gain temporary work permits based on a national labour market opinion.

"Five successive ministers of immigration have been pimping for the underworld by providing an endless stream of fodder for the underworld of pornography and prostitution under the guise of legitimate dancing."

Earlier this year, the U.S. State Department released a study that condemned Canada's stripper visa for allowing clubs to hire foreign women who could face abuse and exploitation.

Martin called the policy an "international embarrassment," and said it flies in face of Justice Minister Irwin Cotler's plan to curb human trafficking.

Under old rules, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada would conduct a national labour market opinion that gave a blanket approval for the exotic dancer category. Under the new process, the employer must apply for an individual assessment for each dancer.

"We have no basis for refusing to look at requests from employers of these dancers, but we have instituted some fairly stringent requirements within our mandate," she said.

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