Update on Mandatory Isolation Support for Temporary Foreign Workers Program (MISTFWP)

Businesses are now able to apply online to receive up to $1,500 per Temporary Foreign Worker under the MISTWFP (Mandatory Isolation Support for Temporary Foreign Workers Program).

The MISTFWT is a one-time $50-million program to help with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on food supply in Canada by assisting the farming, fish harvesting, and food production and processing sectors. The program is designed to help employers cover some of the incremental costs associated with the mandatory 14-day isolation period imposed under the Quarantine Act on temporary foreign workers upon entering Canada.

Eligibility

Employers with TFWs adhering to the upon-arrival 14-day isolation protocol can apply. Eligible activities include:

• wages and benefits of the temporary foreign workers during the mandatory 14-day isolation period
• off site accommodations during the mandatory 14-day isolation period
• transportation to and from off site accommodations required during the mandatory 14-day isolation period
• food or a food allowance during the mandatory 14-day isolation period
• health and safety supplies such as gloves, masks, hand sanitizer, disinfectant cleaners and soaps required for the mandatory 14-day isolation period
• other incremental costs directly associated to the 14 day mandatory isolation period imposed on temporary foreign workers under the Quarantine Act

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted online, by email, mail or fax and must be received by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) by June 30, 2020. The program will cover eligible expenses from March 26, 2020 to June 30, 2020.  Full program details and the application form are available on the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada website.

Other Resources

2020-05-01 Recorded webinars to support farm employers during COVID-19 from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture and Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC): Webinar recordings and slide decks are now available. The first webinar focused on the temporary foreign worker program, while the second covered tools and resources to tap into the local labour force.

Guidance for Employers of Temporary Foreign Workers (AAFC): This document outlines the expectations for employers of temporary foreign workers.

Frequently Asked Questions: Changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker program regarding COVID-19 . This document is intended to complement existing guidance to employers as well as information for travelers to Canada.

Canadian Agricultural Human Resources Council: Resources for how to manage the risks of COVID-19 on the farm and farms with employees. The webpage has the latest recommendations, employee management tips, tools, posters, policies, and links to authorities.