*applicable to agriculture and seafood employers

This page has been developed to provide the relevant legislation, guidance documents and supporting resources for employers of Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) in Nova Scotia. There are federal and provincial requirements. It is essential that employers understand their responsibilities regarding TFWs. Remember, as the employer you are responsible for providing your workers with the information they need to ensure their health and safety while in Nova Scotia – this includes education related to COVID-19.

Please note: the provincial requirements for employers of TFWs include all federal requirements plus additional requirements from the Province of Nova Scotia.

A working group was established to support you through these unprecedented times. The working group consists of representatives from Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture, Perennia and Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture. We are here to support you through this and are not responsible for any enforcement or legislation. You remain responsible for your workers.

We are here to help, so please do not hesitate to contact us via email, phone or text with any questions:

Carolyn Van Den Heuvel – cvandenheuvel@nsfa-fane.ca or (902)318-8977 (cell)
Kyla Pierik – kpierik@perennia.ca or (902)698-6873 (cell)
Rachael Cheverie – rachael.cheverie@novascotia.ca or (902)324-2178 (cell)

 

Self-Isolation Facilities

You are allowed to self-isolate on-farm if you meet all requirements outlined in the provincial requirements listed below. If you cannot meet the requirements, you will be required to house your workers at an off-farm facility close to your farm.

To assist you, we have:

• determined various facilities that will house workers and have meal options available. Costs range from $100-$200 per person per day depending on location
• some facilities have security and others may require oversight from you as the employer
• these arrangements would be at your cost and for you to coordinate directly with the facility
• please contact Rachael Cheverie for facility and meal options in your area

 

Provincial Requirements

Please review these documents carefully – your responsibility and liability as employers is significant. In turn, so are the consequences of non-compliance.

Health Protection Order – Order by the Medical Officer of Health under Section 32 of the Health Protection Act – as of April 23, 2020

Guidance for Temporary Foreign Workers Employed in the Agriculture and Seafood Sectors

Pre-screening Checklist Employer Facility Revised 2020-04-17

Centralized Isolation Plan  Revised 2020-04-17

The Pre-Screening Checklist must be completed for those isolating on-farm and submitted to Perennia prior to the arrival of your workers. Perennia will work with you to make sure the form is complete and it will then be forwarded onto Department of Labour and Advanced Education for review.

Provide as much information as you feel necessary and make sure all categories are completed. Take photos as required to submit with your checklist.  One checklist per housing unit is required. Please refer to the following guides to assist you in completing the required pre-screening forms.

Guide to Self Isolating TFWs On-Farm

Guide to Self Isolating TFWs at a Centralized Facility

 

Federal Requirements

Please review these documents carefully – your responsibility and liability as employers is significant. In turn, so are the consequences of non-compliance.

*New* IRCC – Instructions for work permit applications for changing jobs quickly.

*New* Mandatory Isolation Support for Temporary Foreign Workers Program Application Guide. Apply online or view as PDF Document.

Compliance inspections for Employers of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program during the COVID-19 pandemic – view as PDF Document

Letter from Ministers to employers – Temporary Foreign Workers – COVID-19

Guidance for Employers of Temporary Foreign Workers regarding COVID-19 

FAQ – Changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program regarding COVID-19

Main COVID-19 page for the TFW Program, which includes an overview of the new measures for employers

Supporting Documents

The following documents have been collected or developed by Farm Safety Nova Scotia in an effort to support you in ensuring the health and safety of your farm, your families and your workers. Please visit the Farm Safety Nova Scotia COVID-19 Resources page for further resources.

Please share the following information document with your worker. It provides a basic overview of the situation and key contacts for them.

Information for TFWs  –  Click here for Spanish

Health Screening

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Symptoms and treatment

 COVID-19 Daily Health Screening Form for Worker – Click here for Spanish

COVID-19 Daily Health Screening Log for Employer  – Click here for Word Document

 

Cleaning & Disinfecting

Cleaning and Disinfecting Procedures  – Click here for Spanish

Disinfectants Info Sheet – Click here for Spanish

Hard-surface disinfectants and hand sanitizers (COVID-19): List of hard-surface disinfectants

 

Posters & Fact Sheets

State of Emergency Infographic  –  Click here for Spanish

Self-Isolation Infographic  –(Click here for Spanish)

Social Distancing Best Practices –(Click here for Spanish)

Hand Washing Poster    (Click here for Spanish)

Hand Sanitizer Info Sheet  (Click here for Spanish)

Stop the Spread of Germs Infographic   (Click here for Spanish)

Wearing a Mask Infographic  (Click here for Spanish)

Physical Distancing Poster    (Click here for Spanish)

Removing Gloves Infographic  (Click here for Spanish)