Here is some information and updated resources to help your organizations support workers hired under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW Program).
New: ‘When to call the Tipline’ Infographic
The new ‘When to call the Tipline’ infographic is ready to be downloaded and shared with temporary foreign workers. The infographic is intended to give simple, easy-to-read information on the Tipline, and instructions on when and how to call. Available in English, Spanish, and French, the infographic includes a QR code that links directly to more information from the Program’s Your Rights are Protected webpage, available in nine languages.
Our confidential tipline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Callers can talk to live agents that offer services in 200 languages, Monday to Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. eastern time. After hours, callers can leave a message and an agent will return their calls.
Updated: Reporting Abuse – Online Form for Consulates and Support Groups
The online form to report abuse of temporary foreign workers for consulates and support groups has recently been updated. Now, it immediately directs users to a webpage where they can give key information to validate a tip. Information from this page will be sent directly to Service Canada for timely review and action.
“Anyone can use the Tipline to report abuse. All reports are taken seriously and are kept confidential. We will never reveal to the employer who filed the report. However, information from the tip may be shared with other Canadian government departments or agencies who can help.”
REMINDER: Employment Agreement
- On or before the first day of work, the employer must complete an employment agreement with each temporary foreign worker.
- The agreement must be in English or French (Canada’s official languages) depending on the temporary foreign workers’ choice.
- The employment agreement must reference the same wage, occupation and working conditions as those outlined in the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
- Both the temporary foreign worker and the employer must sign this agreement. On or before the first day of work, the employer must give the temporary foreign worker a signed copy and keep their own copy.
Sample templates of ‘employment agreement’ are available to employers, but they are free to develop and use their own agreement, provided it contains all necessary information. For the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) only, a Spanish version of the template is also available for reference purposes. Please note that the employment agreement is not meant to replace the contract for the employment in Canada of SAWP.
If a temporary foreign worker has not received their employment agreement, they should contact their employer. For more information on employment agreements, please visit the following links:
- Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program
- Agricultural Stream
- High-Wage Positions Stream
- Low-Wage Positions Stream
- Global Talent Stream
- Permanent Residency
- In-home Caregiver
New: Compliance Outreach Sessions
Did you know that compliance outreach sessions are offered? These sessions are designed to help employers, associations, and stakeholders better understand their rights and responsibilities in the TFW Program. In these interactive sessions, we discuss topics such as:
- an overview of the inspection process,
- The employers’ responsibilities and obligations,
- The authorities of the Program,
- statistics on compliance rates within the Program, and
- common reasons for non-compliance.
The outreach sessions can also be developed and targeted to audience needs. To learn more or book a seat in a session, please contact Service Canada via email ( EDSC.SENSIBILISATION.PTET-TFWP.OUTREACH.ESDC@servicecanada.gc.ca ) directly. Please note that we will only respond to emails about outreach sessions from this email address.
Helpful Links:
· Temporary foreign workers: Your rights are protected
· Open work permit for vulnerable foreign workers who are victims of abuse
· Regulatory Changes – September 2022: New amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (temporary foreign workers)
Please share this important information for temporary foreign workers across your networks and with colleagues or peers who could benefit from this information.
If you have questions about the TFW Program, please visit Canada.ca or communicate with the Employer Contact Centre.
Thank you in advance for your continued collaboration.
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Employment and Social Development Canada
