Health & Safety


Health Card Services – OHIP

Health Card Registration Process for Seasonal Agricultural Workers

ServiceOntario (SO) delivers health card registration services. The Ministry of Health (MOH) is responsible for the OHIP program and setting applicable OHIP legislation, policy and program requirements, as well as medical claims processing.
A temporary mail-in policy was instated during COVID to limit risk of exposure, by eliminating in-person visits. Effective immediately, in-person visits will be required for new International Agri-Food Workers (IAWs) and those who do not have a valid photo/signature on file.

FORMS

The required Seasonal Agricultural Workers Registration for Ontario Health Coverage form is available on our website. New registrants, renewals, and their employers can access the ‘fill and print’ form at: http://www.forms.ssb.gov.on.ca . Once in the Central Forms Repository, enter Form # “3715-82” in the “Quick Search for Forms” and then click on the link.

 

ATTENDING A SERVICEONTARIO CENTRE 

Pandemic response measures have ended, so MOH has conditionally reinstated in-person visit requirements for
International Agri-food Workers (IAWs), formerly called Migrant Farm Workers (MFWs), and agricultural sector
Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs).
For international farm workers whose health card does not have a valid photo and signature on file, an in-person visit will be
required, while a mail-in option remains available for those who have a most-recent, previous health card with a valid photo and signature on file.

IAWs in Ontario under the SAWP Program
•  Always required to visit SO in-person for:
•  first-time health card registration
•  renewal if no valid photo (but mail-in each time in between)

IAWs in Ontario under the TFW Program
• Never had a mail-in option before pandemic
• Were previously required to visit in-person for all registration activities, (same as other TFWs)
• But now will only need to come in for their first visit, to get photo/signature captured
• Have longer work permits, so won’t need to visit SO as regularly

Appointments
• Appointments are very much recommended
• Appointment Booking: 1-888-376-5197
• Email: MFW.MOH@ontario.ca

How to Book an Appointment
If necessary, for new or returning workers who require a photo, there are two ways that a farm employer can book an
appointment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. By calling ServiceOntario
To book an appointment , call ServiceOntario at 1-888-376-5197:
• Stay on the line for “English” or select (2) for “French”, then
• Select (1) for “ health card related inquiries”, then immediately
• Select (0) to speak to a Customer Service Representative
Be sure to advise the representative that you are calling about appointments for International Agri-Food Worker (IAW). They
will assist you immediately in most cases. If they are unable to assist you, they will direct you to the correct location.

2. By emailing your request to MFW.MOH@ontario.ca
When emailing your appointment request, employers must include the following information:
• Employer’s first and last name
• The name of employer’s business/farm (full address required)
• Primary and secondary telephone numbers and best time to call
• The number of workers needing a health card appointment
• Employer’s preferred date, time, and location for appointments

Please Note: This email account is for appointment booking only.

Walk-In (ServiceOntario Centres)
You may bring workers to a ServiceOntario centre designated to provide MFW services to register for health insurance coverage. Since this is not by appointment, there may be a wait time.
To find a ServiceOntario centre that is designated to provide IAW services please,
• call 1-800-664-8988
• visit the ServiceOntario website at www.services.gov.on.ca/sf/
In the search bar type “Resume OHIP coverage after moving back to Ontario” and click on link. Enter your postal code
to search for locations offering this service. Click on the “Details and Directions” link at your preferred location to view
additional information.

Mail-In
• Mail-in option is still available for IAWs under both the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) and temporary
Foreign Worker (TFW) program, only if valid photo/signature are on file, by sending applications to the following
address:
ServiceOntario Hamilton
119 King St. West, 4th Floor
Hamilton, ON L8P 4Y7
• When completing the forms, as proof of residency for the worker, farms will indicate their full address of the farm/producer.
• Photocopies of documents are acceptable for mailed-in renewals. The Hamilton fax number may be used for emergency
renewals only.
• Applications are photo and signature exempt, but a photo on file for renewals that are less than 5 years old will be re-used.
• Health Cards will be mailed as usual, but a Transaction Record will not be issued.

Documents Required:

Applicants must include the following:
1. The completed Seasonal Agricultural Workers Registration for Ontario Health Coverage form (given to each worker at the airport or printed from the internet). Note: The worker’s legal name must be written as it appears on their Work Permit
2. Passport
3. Work Permit. Note: SAWP may be noted in the EMPLOYER section and the expiry date will usually be December 15 of the current year
4. Previous health number (if known, to be completed on the registration form).
5. Address of farm (to be completed on the registration form)

What should I do if the worker has never had a photo health card?
If the worker has never had an Ontario photo health card, take the worker to the nearest ServiceOntario centre designated to provide IAW services to register them, by bringing:

Please bring:
6. The completed Seasonal Agricultural Workers Registration for Ontario Health Coverage form (given to each worker at the airport or printed from the internet). Note: The worker’s legal name must be written as it appears on their Work Permit
7. Passport
8. Work Permit – Note: SAWP may be noted in the EMPLOYER section and the expiry date will usually be December 15 of the current year
9. Previous health number (if known, to be completed on the registration form).
10. Address of farm (to be completed on the registration form)
Please Note: If the worker does not have all of their original documents, they cannot be registered for a new photo health card.
If a worker does not have their original Work Permit, they must contact their Liaison Officer.

How will I know which workers need an updated photo and signature?
The health card photo and signature are valid for a period of 5 years. Workers who had their last photo and signature taken in 2019 or earlier need to have their photo and signature updated in person at a ServiceOntario centre that is designated to provide IAW services.
F.A.R.M.S. has provided the Caribbean countries of Barbados, Eastern Caribbean islands, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago Services with a list of workers who require an updated photo and signature in 2024.

What if a worker should have had an updated photo and signature in 2023 but did not?
If a worker did not have their photo and signature updated last year, then they will be required to visit a ServiceOntario centre to register for health insurance coverage in 2024.

When can a worker expect to receive the health card?
A health card should be received 4-6 weeks after ServiceOntario has processed a worker’s registration documents, or after the in person registration. If the worker has not received their health card in this timeframe, you can visit the ServiceOntario centre where the registration was completed or contact ServiceOntario INFOline at 1-888-376-5197 to check the status of the health card.

What should I do with the card when the worker leaves?
A worker’s health insurance coverage ends on the earliest of:
• the end date of the Work Permit; or
• the date of departure from Ontario
It is important that all health cards be returned by the employer or Liaison Officer to the ServiceOntario centre located in Hamilton as soon as possible. (see address below). If the health card is not received by the employer until after the worker has left, please return it with a note stating that the worker has left Ontario and the date of their departure to:
Attn: Manager, ServiceOntario Hamilton
119 King Street West, 4th floor
Hamilton ON L8P 4Y7

What should I do if the worker needs medical attention but has not yet received the photo health card?
If the worker has been registered at a ServiceOntario centre and requires medical services:
At the time of registration, the worker will be given a “Transaction Receipt” as a confirmation document. This record identifies their health number and can be used to access health care services until the health card is received.
If the worker does not have the Transaction Receipt, they may call the ServiceOntario INFOline at 1-866-532-3161 for further direction
If medical services are required and the health care provider cannot confirm the worker has health insurance coverage, the health care provider is entitled to ask for payment.
Note: Any payment made to the health care provider may be recovered at a later date once the health insurance coverage is confirmed and the medical claim has been paid by OHIP to the health care provider.
If the health card has not been received 4-6 weeks after the registration has been completed, contact ServiceOntario INFOline at 1-888-376-5197 to check the status of the health card.
If the worker has not been registered for OHIP coverage and requires medical services:
If the worker requires immediate medical attention and has not been registered for OHIP coverage, contact the Liaison Officer.
The applicable consulate will contact ServiceOntario directly to escalate the registration. Workers should not be refused emergency health services as determined by the health care provider.
If medical services are required and the health care provider cannot confirm the worker has health insurance coverage, the health care provider is entitled to ask for payment.
Please note: Any payment made to the health care provider may be recovered at a later date once the health insurance coverage is confirmed and the medical claim has been paid by OHIP to the health care provider.
If there continues to be a problem with the health card, contact ServiceOntario INFOline at 1-888-376-5197 ServiceOntario will help whenever possible.
For More Information
Contact the ServiceOntario INFOline between 8:30am and 5:00pm at
1-866-532-3161 or TTY for the hearing impaired at 1-800-387-5559.

 

Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)

INFORMATION FOR EMPLOYERS

WSIB coverage for Commonwealth Caribbean and Mexican Seasonal Agricultural Workers

When foreign agricultural workers are injured or become ill on the job in Ontario, they are eligible for WSIB benefits and services like any Ontarians covered by the WSIB.

Workplace injury or illness coverage for foreign agricultural workers starts the day they arrive at the agreed upon departure location in their home country and remains in place until they return home.

While in Ontario, these workers are covered when:

  • Coming from the airport in Ontario to your business; and
  • Using a bus or car when travelling to and from your business on a direct, uninterrupted route; and
  • taking time off or during meal time while on your properties; and
  • sleeping in the accommodation you provide.

They’re generally not covered when:

  • taking part in recreational activities away from your properties; or
  • visiting with family and friends.

For information on how to report a workplace injury or illness visit http://wsib.ca or call 1-800-387-0750

 

Employment Standards Act

For information in relation to agricultural workers and the Employment Standards Act,
PLEASE CONTACT:
The Employment Standards Information Centre (it is a call centre)
GTA 416-326-7160 CANADA WIDE 1-800-531-5551
Or visit the website for copies of the ESA fact sheets pertaining to Agricultural Workers

 

Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS)

YOUR AGRICULTURAL SAFETY PARTNER

Navigating the challenges of the agriculture industry can be tough. Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) is here for you, focused on helping you overcome the unique the obstacles faced in the agriculture sector. We’re here to address your specific concerns and make sure your workers are safe. Explore our tailored training and consulting services designed to tackle issue that matter to you, including:

  • Ensuring the safety of temporary foreign agricultural workers
  • Orientation for new agricultural workers
  • Supporting supervisor responsibilities

Agriculture and Horticulture Safety Centre

Explore our Agriculture and Horticulture Safety Centre, an online resource hub offering robust and easy-to-use tool. Access free resources, including instructional awareness videos and information sheets supporting both farms and non-farming operations.

Tune in to the Farm Safety Roundup podcast, featuring WSPS ag specialists sharing insights to safeguard farm workers, prevent illnesses, and help employers meet safety responsibilities.

Click here for free resources in English

Click here for free resources in Spanish

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

WSPS.CA/farmsafety
customercare@wsps.ca | 1-877-494-WSPS (9777)

 

 

PESTICIDE SAFETY TRAINING for Farmer Assistants

ONTARIO PESTICIDE EDUCATION PROGRAM, UNIVERSITRY OF GUELPH RIDGETOWN CAMPUS

Farmer Assistants who handle Class B or C pesticides must:

  • Be trained to handle pesticides safely through training recognized by the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks
  • Be 16 years of age or older
  • Re-train every 5 years

A Farmer Assistant is anyone working on the farm who handles Class B or C pesticides under the supervision of a Certified Farmer.
A Certified Farmer may supervise up to 3 Farmer Assistants at any given time.

Duties – Farmer Assistants may:

  • Mix, load or apply Class B or C pesticides

Restrictions of Duties – Farmer Assistants may not:

  • Purchase pesticides
  • Select or recommend  the type of pesticide
  • Select the rate of application
  • Select the means of storage, or disposal of empty containers
  • Calibrate equipment to apply the pesticides
  • Transport or dispose of waste pesticides
  • Use a Class B pesticide or fumigant that produces a suspension in air in  buildings
  • Use a Class C pesticide or fumigant that produces a suspension of air in buildings if the label states to prevent entry to the treated area with locks, barricades, or signs.

Training for Farmer Assistants

There are two ways for Farmer Assistants to get the training they need.

They can:

  • Participate in the Grower Pesticide Safety Course (and not write the exam). The course fee is $135.

or

  • Participate in an on-farm training session given by an On-Farm Instructor
On-Farm Instructors

Certified Farmers qualify as On-Farm Instructors by participating in a half-day course. The course fee is $75. There is a $30 registration fee for each Farmer Assistant that you train. To register for an On-Farm Instructor Course, please call 1-800-652-8573 or sign up for a course by visiting our website – www.opep.ca
Spanish speaking On-Farm instructors are available for hire in some areas. Call us for a referral.

As a Certified Farmer, you are responsible for all pesticide use and handling on your farm. This includes pesticide use and handling by any Farmer Assistants you may supervise.

For more information please contact:

Ontario Pesticide Education Program University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus Ridgetown ON  NOP 2CO
Ph:1-800-652-8573; Fax:519-674-1589
www.opep.ca       rcopep@uoguelph.ca