Seasonal Workers

Hiring Seasonal Workers

Understanding Seasonal Employment in Canada

Unlock the potential of a global workforce by integrating qualified seasonal employees into your business framework, addressing labor shortages effectively and efficiently.

Seasonal employment encompasses temporary positions, often correlating with specific periods or seasons, necessitated by the cyclical nature of certain industries. Recognizing the constraints in local labor availability, Canada endorses initiatives allowing domestic businesses to onboard international workers for these transient roles.

These initiatives primarily benefit sectors including but not limited to:

  • Seasonally operational enterprises (3-9 months per annum)
  • Industries necessitating augmented workforce during high-demand phases
  • Key sectors like agriculture, aquaculture, hospitality, tourism, transport, construction, and natural resources
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4S Canada - Skill Sourcing & Settlement Services

Key Benefits of Seasonal Employment

  • Cost-Efficiency: Seasonal workers remain on the payroll exclusively for their contractual period, optimizing labor expenses.
  • Government-Backed Initiatives: Various programs encourage the migration of skilled international labor to assist in roles unfulfilled by local workforce.
  • Expertise on Demand: Seasonal hires, especially from international locales, bring specialized experience, fulfilling operational requirements efficiently.
  • Flexibility and Convenience: Foreign seasonal staff provide an adaptable, skilled, and ready-to-deploy workforce solution.

 Opportunities 

    Many of our clients operate seasonal businesses such as:

  • Agriculture and Horticulture
  • Aquatic resource management and seafood processing
  • Hospitality, Catering, and Leisure services
  • Forestry, Conservation, and Lumber processing
  • Transportation and Infrastructure development
  • Building, Construction, and Fabrication sectors
 

F. A. Q

Frequently Asked Questions

The processing time for an LMIA varies and can range from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the volume of applications received by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and the specific sector of employment. It's advisable to apply well in advance of the anticipated start date of work to accommodate potential delays.

Yes, the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) allows employers in the agricultural sector to hire temporary foreign workers (TFW) when Canadians and permanent residents are not available. The workers under SAWP can come from certain participating countries where there are established mutual agreements with Canada.

Employers are responsible for providing seasonal workers with a positive work environment, respecting all labor laws, including workplace safety and fair treatment. Additionally, employers are often responsible for providing health insurance until the workers become eligible for provincial health coverage, suitable accommodation (for certain programs), and transportation to and from the workers' home country.

If employment ends early, responsibilities can vary depending on the terms of the employment contract and the program through which the worker was hired. Generally, employers may be responsible for ensuring that the worker has the means to return to their home country. In cases of contract violations or early termination, it is crucial to consult with legal counsel or the appropriate government agency to handle the situation compliantly.

Seasonal workers are expected to leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay unless they have applied for and received an extension or are approved for a change of status in Canada, such as a different work permit or permanent residence. Staying beyond the validity of their work permit without authorization can have serious legal consequences for the worker.