REMINDERS
MANDATORY SOCIAL INSURANCE NUMBER (SIN)
1. SIN applications are processed at Pearson Airport on arrival, provided it’s during operating hours. The worker is expected to arrive at the farm with their SIN Letter.
2. In the event of incomplete documentation, (e.g., missing or issues with the work permit, incorrect SIN application) the Service Canada Officer will not produce a SIN Letter. The worker will arrive to the farm with their SIN Application and an accompanying letter from FARMS advising next steps.
3. No SIN issued – Service Canada will subsequently contact the employer to assist in arranging an appointment with the local Service Canada office to take the worker in for processing. Employers can also immediately arrange an appointment on their own to take the worker to the local office for processing.
4. It is Illegal in Canada to employ someone without a SIN. Employers are required to assist farm workers in obtaining their SIN.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CLICK HERE.
PROVINCIAL PHOTO HEALTH CARD REGISTRATION
Every arriving farm worker must receive a Provincial Health Card as soon as possible after arriving. There are three (3) scenarios that apply to farm workers.
1. New Worker Health Card: A worker who is arriving to Ontario for the first time. Employers are required to make an appointment and take the worker to the local Service Canada office to make application and obtain a photo health card.
2. Renewal Worker Health Card with no new picture: A worker who has had a Provincial Health Card for less than five (5) years and does not need a new picture.
3. Renewal Worker Health Card five years old: A worker who has had a Provincial Health Card for five years or more, needs a new picture and must be taken in person to Service Canada.
4. Employer Summary can be obtained on the FARMS website here either current year or previous. It will indicate the health card status of workers on your farm.
Caribbean – F.A.R.M.S. has provided the Caribbean liaison offices (Barbados, Eastern Caribbean islands, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago) with a list of workers who require an updated photo and signature in 2025. Each Caribbean liaison office will process all Renewal health card registrations for those workers who do not require a new Photo ID.
Mexico – For Renewals with a valid photo ID (less than 5 years old), employers should photocopy the health card registration form which should be obtained from the worker upon arrival. Completed forms must be mailed to:
ServiceOntario Hamilton
119 King St. West 4th Floor
Hamilton, ON L8P 4Y7
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CLICK HERE.
WHAT’S NEW
1. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) was applied on the Utility Deduction at 2.67% across 7 provinces that can take this deduction, Recognition Payment 3.12% inflation rate, Laundry 3.12% inflation rate, Source Country Deduction 3.12% inflation rate and Employer provided meals 3.12% inflation rate.
2. CARIBBEAN – The Rest Periods for the workers; the new wording under the contract reflects that the rest periods can be ‘paid or not paid in accordance with provincial or territorial labour legislation.
3. MEXICO – Workplace Safety Coverage Requirement new clause reads: in the absence of provincial / territorial laws the employer is responsible for ensuring the worker(s) are covered by health insurance that is comparable to a Canadian citizen which includes Workplace Safety Coverage at no cost to the worker.
4. MEXICO – Lodging, Meals and Rest Periods; all employers must supply cleaning supplies at no cost to the worker, sufficient for the purpose of maintaining the accommodations.
5. MEXICO – Health and Safety of Workers #5: This clause was moved up to the employers agreement section from clause 9 under the employer’s responsibility section, thus ensuring that the employer is aware of their responsibilities towards the repatriation of the worker in the event the worker dies during the period of employment.
6. MEXICO – Health and Safety of Workers #6: If the worker must remain in Canada due to illness or a work-related accident after the expiration of their contract or after December 15 the EMPLOYER in cooperation with the Government Agent shall make efforts to facilitate accommodation during their recovery, until they are able to return to Mexico.
7. CARIBBEAN & MEXICO – Transfer of Workers: The receiving employer is responsible for arranging transportation for the new transferred worker to the new work location at no cost to the worker.
8. CARIBBEAN & MEXICO – Obligations of the Employer: In the event of force majeure the employer, in consultation with the government agent, shall assist the worker to have access to housing and support services during such a period at no cost to the worker, until they can return to work. Where no work is possible, the employer in consultation with the Government agent shall assist the worker to find alternative work with another SAWP employer or assist the worker in returning to their home country, at no additional cost to the worker outside of the provisions in the contract relating to transportation and housing costs.
9. MEXICO – Obligations of the Employer #3: Establishes the obligation of the employer to display in a visible area, the rules of conduct, safety discipline, care and maintenance of property in Spanish, indicated in Section 1, clause 5. The employer shall assist the WORKER upon arrival, to obtain health coverage when applicable according to approved
Provincial/Territorial regulations. #8 Wording added to reflect that the employer is to ensure the WORKER receives timely medical care, including interpretation services.
10. MEXICO – Obligations of the Worker #2: The worker is required to comply with all the rules established by the employer, and those referred to in Section 1, clause 5, related to the safety, discipline, care and maintenance of the employer’s property.
11. MEXICO – Cowan Insurance: the deduction is $1.08 per day (7) seven days a week.
For a full list of contract amendments please click here for Mexico and click here for the Caribbean.