How do you prepare for the arrival of a low-wage temporary foreign worker?
In Canada, a low-wage temporary foreign worker is defined as a worker who earns less than the provincial median wage for their occupation. These workers are hired under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
The integration of a low-wage temporary foreign worker in Canada represents an essential bridge between the immediate needs of the Canadian labour market and the immense potential offered by international talent. This guide aims to equip employers with all the knowledge and resources they need to facilitate this transition, ensuring that the arrival and integration of these workers takes place under the best possible conditions. From the provision of suitable accommodation to the management of administrative formalities, every step is crucial to ensure not only compliance with legal requirements, but also to support the well-being and productivity of the worker. This process, though complex, is an opportunity to enrich cultural and professional diversity within the Canadian working environment, while meeting specific labor market needs.
Before the temporary foreign worker arrives
1) Ensuring adequate and affordable housing
You must provide the worker you hire with suitable, affordable housing, or ensure that such housing is available.
- Suitable housing: not in need of major repairs, in the opinion of residents. Major repairs include work to repair plumbing or electrical wiring, or structural work to repair walls, floors or ceilings.
- Affordable housing: costs less than 30% of pre-tax income. Housing costs include rent and the cost of electricity, fuel, water supply and other municipal services.
2) Organizing transport
One of the key elements to consider is the employer's obligation to provide round-trip airfare for the worker between his or her country of origin and the workplace in Canada. This obligation is designed to ensure that workers can return to their country of origin at the end of their contract. Providing transportation for low-wage temporary foreign workers contributes to a fair and secure hiring experience. It also facilitates the immigration and integration process for the worker. It is important to note that transportation costs should not be recovered from the worker.
3) Take out temporary health insurance
Employers are required to provide temporary health insurance to their temporary foreign workers until they are eligible for the Quebec Health Insurance Plan (RAMQ). This insurance must cover at least emergency medical care. The employer's health insurance coverage must begin on the worker's first day of work in Canada, and costs must not be recovered from the worker.
Best practice: It can take up to 3 months for a worker's claim to be accepted by RAMQ. It is therefore advisable to take out insurance for a period of at least 3 months.
Some companies offering temporary insurance for foreign workers:
5) Simplify bank account opening
Talentech and Desjardins have partnered to make it easier for newcomers to open a remote bank account, with a welcome offer.
- The worker must complete the following short form: Open an account (desjardins.com).
- A Desjardins financial advisor will contact the worker by phone and/or e-mail to open an account. The passport number is required at this stage.
- Information about the worker's Canadian account will be sent to him, enabling him to transfer funds before his arrival.
- Upon arrival in Canada, workers must finalize the opening of their account by presenting their identification documents (passport, work permit, etc.) to the Desjardins newcomers team either at the Montréal airport or at the Caisse Desjardins - Montréal Centre-ville (1101 Sainte-Catherine West, Montréal, Québec H3B 1H8). The means of payment (debit/credit cards) will then be given to them.
On arrival at the airport: The first step towards a positive relationship
1) Welcoming the worker
Welcoming a new employee often begins at the airport. This first contact is crucial to establishing a positive working relationship. Be sure to coordinate with the worker in advance and provide all the necessary information on the time and place of the meeting, and how to recognize you at the airport. Use a welcome sign with the name of your company or the worker to facilitate the identification process. It's also a good idea for your employer to provide transportation from the airport to your place of residence or work.
2) Ensure compliance of work permits
Before leaving the counter at immigration, the worker must ensure that the position, employer and place of work are correctly indicated on his or her permit. We recommend that workers bring food and water from their country of origin. The wait at immigration can be several hours if there are many applicants on the flight and there is nothing to buy on the spot.
3) Finalize bank account opening
Upon arrival in Canada, workers must finalize the opening of their account by presenting their identification documents (passport, work permit, etc.) to the Desjardins newcomers team either at the Montréal airport or at the Caisse Desjardins - Montréal Centre-ville (1101 Sainte-Catherine West, Montréal, Québec H3B 1H8). The means of payment (debit/credit cards) will then be given to them.
In the first few days after arrival
1) Register with the Régie d'Assurance Maladie du Québec (RAMQ)
Upon arrival in Quebec, workers can register with the Régie d'assurance maladie via the RAMQ website.
He must submit a copy of the following documents:
- Work Permits
- Passport
- Proof of residence
- Request form
- Employment contract
2) Obtain Social Insurance Number (SIN)
The Social Insurance Number (SIN) is an essential requirement for working in Canada, including for temporary foreign workers.
To obtain a SIN, locate your nearest Service Canada Centre and go there in person.
Documents required to obtain the SIN:
- Valid passport
- Work permits
3) Ensuring compliance as an employer
As an employer, it is your responsibility to send a copy of the mandatory form reminding him of his rights.
4) Declare the hiring of the temporary foreign worker to CNESST
All employers must comply with the labour standards in force in Quebec and with the provisions of any applicable collective agreements. In addition, under Quebec's Act respecting labour standards, employers must inform the Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) without delay of the arrival and departure dates of temporary foreign workers, and of the duration of their contract. If the departure date is different from the one specified in the contract, the employer must indicate the new date and the reasons for departure. Please consult the CNESST website for more information: www.cnesst.gouv.qc.ca/.
5) Keep a record of work permit expiry dates
Should you wish to extend your employment relationship with the foreign worker covered by this LMIA, you must submit a new LMIA application to Employment and Social Development Canada/Service Canada and to the Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration at least three months before the expiry date of the permit, and simultaneously submit to the Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration a new temporary selection application completed by the foreign worker. That's why it's so important to take note of the expiry date of the temporary foreign worker's work permit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hosting a low-wage temporary foreign worker represents a unique opportunity for Canadian employers to fill gaps in their workforce while enriching their work environment with new perspectives and skills. However, navigating the hosting process requires careful preparation and attention to detail to ensure that the experience is beneficial and respectful for all parties involved. From arranging housing and transportation to health insurance, opening a bank account and registering with RAMQ, each step is crucial to ensuring a smooth transition for the worker. By respecting these steps, employers not only meet their legal obligations, but also facilitate the worker's integration into the Canadian community and job market. This caring, methodical approach underlines the importance of preparation and support in the successful reception of low-wage temporary foreign workers.
