Temporary Labor in AgricultureThe Seasonal Agricultural Worker ProgramThe Seasonal Agriculture Worker Program (SAWP) allows the organized entry of foreign workers to work in agricultural occupations in Canada.
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The Seasonal Agriculture Worker Program currently operates in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island and meets the needs of specific agricultural commodity sectors. The program matches workers from Mexico and The Caribbean with farmers in Canada needing extra personnel during planting or harvesting times. The government of those countries selects the workers. They must have farming experience, be at least 18 years old, and accept and sign the employment agreement. The SAWP was developed by HRSDC and Citizenship and Immigration Canada in cooperation with agricultural producers and a number of foreign countries including Mexico and several Commonwealth Caribbean countries.
The workers sign a contract with the employer in Canada. Workers are hired for the fruits, vegetables, flowers, tobacco, and horticultural industry. Some work is also available in Processing and packing plants. Most farms have on farm housing for the workers. About 10 thousand Mexican and 8 thousand Caribbean workers are hired each year. About 70 to 80 % are rehired by their former employer and they receive priority. That leaves room for about 20 % new applicants each year. The workers must return to their home country after the contract ends each year. Some foreign workers have been coming to Canada for more than 20 years. Each province and territory has laws to protect employers and employees. Labour standards for agriculture include minimum wages, overtime, holidays, vacations, hours of work, rest periods and days of rest. If you have any questions, difficulties or complaints, please call or visit the ministry responsible for labour or employment standards in the province or territory you are employed. In the Caribbean contact your Ministry of Labor
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SAWP is an annual program,running from early spring and ends in the fall after harvest is completed.