As an employer taking part in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, please find below important information about your responsibilities in the event of hazardous weather and natural disasters, such as floods and wildfires.
Get prepared
During hazardous weather conditions and natural disasters, you must continue to meet Program obligations. Remember to always keep your evacuation plan up to date and be ready to:
- follow municipal, provincial or territorial evacuation orders;
- know your local evacuation routes and procedures; and
- have a communication plan and maintain contact with temporary foreign workers during the weather event.
For tips on getting prepared, visit Get Flood ready and Get prepared: Wildfires.
What to do if your business is impacted by hazardous weather or a natural disaster
- You must continue to meet your obligations under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. If you believe that you have not met your Program obligations, inform us using voluntary disclosure.
- If any temporary foreign workers are unreachable, notify the regional processing centre.
- If your business cannot operate and you need to lay off temporary foreign workers, issue records of employment so they can apply for Employment Insurance benefits.
- If you have made changes to your Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), including layoffs, inform the Employer Contact Centre.
For more information
- Visit Hire a temporary foreign worker with an LMIA regularly to ensure you have the most recent Program updates.
- Communicate with the Employer Contact Centre if you have questions about your LMIA application.
- The information included in this email, along with information specific to temporary foreign workers, can be found on Help for individuals affected by hazardous weather and natural disasters.
Community Outreach and Liaison Service
Through the Community Outreach and Liaison Service (COLS), Service Canada offers a responsive outreach and provides support to employers and workers facing labour market adjustments and communities facing emergency situations. To learn more about COLS or to request an outreach activity, visit Canada.ca/outreach-services.
You are encouraged to share this communication throughout your respective networks, and with any colleagues or peers who may need to be aware of this information. If you have questions on the TFW Program, please visit Canada.ca or reach out to the Employer Contact Centre.
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Employment and Social Development Canada (EDSC)
