The Royal Bank of Canada is publicly apologizing for the outsourcing controversy that saw Canadian employees replaced by foreign workers.

The bank’s chief executive says RBC should have been more sensitive and helpful  and that all of the impacted workers — reported to be about 45 — will be offered comparable job opportunities within the bank.

RBC is also reviewing its supplier arrangements and policies.

The apology stems from a public backlash after some employees complained they were losing their jobs and being forced to train replacements brought into Canada under temporary foreign workers permits.

RBC said it had outsourced the work to an Indian company which had brought in the workers for training.