Due to ongoing measles activity in Canada and in other countries, this communiqué provides information to employers and temporary foreign workers (workers) participating in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW Program) about support around communicable diseases, with a spotlight on measles.
Measles
Stay informed and follow the recommendations of public health authorities
Measles is an extremely contagious viral disease that can be prevented through vaccination. Cases continue to be reported in Canada. With measles on the rise in many countries around the world, there is also an increased risk of travelers bringing the virus to Canada.
Employers and workers can learn about measles and how to prevent measles with vaccinations by consulting the factsheet Measles: What should you know.
To maintain a safe working environment, it is essential for employers and workers to be aware of available preventive measures to reduce the transmission of vaccine preventable diseases, including measles, particularly in shared living or working environments.
As the most effective way to protect against measles is through vaccination, workers are encouraged to:
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Review their immunization history (including for measles),
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Carry their immunization record with them, and
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Get vaccinated if they are not up to date before coming to work in Canada.
Employers should also make reasonable efforts to support workers who wish to voluntarily get vaccinated in Canada.
The Public Health Agency of Canada is working closely with provincial, territorial and international partners to share information and monitor the situation in Canada and globally.
As the situation evolves, public health recommendations may change. Employers and workers should regularly check the website of the public health authority in their province or territory to obtain updates and information on the preventive measures in place, particularly the availability of measles vaccination in their region.
Employers and workers can refer to weekly surveillance reports to keep track of current measles activity in Canada, at a national level, and in their region(s) of work.
In the event of symptoms or exposure
In the event of an outbreak of communicable diseases, such as measles, the employer must work with the appropriate provincial or territorial public health authority to establish clear protocols to mitigate disease spread and maintain transparent communication with workers and the public health authority. Both the employer and workers must follow the guidelines issued by public health. This includes recommendations regarding isolation for a specified period, including when housing is provided by the employer.
If a worker is sick or shows symptoms of measles, the worker must inform their employer as soon as possible, isolate in accordance with public health guidance, and contact a health care provider immediately for advice. If the worker needs to leave isolation to seek medical care, it is essential to inform the healthcare facility before arriving that the worker may have measles to allow for appropriate precautions to prevent the spread of virus to others. The employer must make reasonable efforts to ensure that the worker has access to healthcare services and professionals, such as a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
If a worker thinks they may have been exposed to someone with measles and they have not been vaccinated or have not been sick with measles in the past, they should stay away from others and immediately call a health care provider for advice.
The employer or worker should also inform their respective consulate in the case of measles.
We invite you to stay informed and would refer you to the Public Health Agency of Canada’s website and their Public Health Notice for any additional information.
For more information on measles, please consult:
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Measles: What you should know (factsheet) (Available in 17 languages),
Reminders for employers and workers participating in the TFW Program
When temporary foreign workers arrive in Canada, they have access to free health care under the health insurance system of the province or territory in which they are working. If there is a period where temporary foreign workers are not covered by the provincial or territorial health insurance (waiting period), the employer must obtain and pay for private health insurance that covers emergency medical care, without deductions from worker’s wages. For workers under the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) stream, employers must follow requirements set out in the SAWP contracts.
On or before the beginning of the employment period, employers must provide workers with the most recent version of the document Temporary foreign workers: Your rights are protected. Employers must also ensure that this information remains accessible to workers throughout the duration of their employment.
In addition, migrant worker support organizations (MWSOs), funded under Employment and Social Development Canada’s Migrant Worker Support (MWS) Program, can provide support and services tailored to the specific needs of workers. This includes accessing healthcare services, including vaccination, understanding public health guidance, and receiving information through outreach activities and newsletters.
You are encouraged to share this communication throughout your respective networks, and with any colleagues or partners 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.
We encourage you to share this communication throughout your respective networks, and with any colleagues or partners who may need to be aware of this information.
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Employment and Social Development Canada
