Due to outbreaks of measles in Canada and in other countries, here are some reminders for employers and temporary foreign workers (workers) participating in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW Program).
Stay informed and follow the recommendations of the appropriate public health authorities
Measles is an extremely contagious disease caused by a virus. The Public Health Agency of Canada is working closely with provincial, territorial and international partners to share information and monitor the situation in Canada and globally.
Employers and workers can learn about measles and the preventive measures that can be adopted by consulting:
Employers and workers can refer to weekly surveillance reports to keep track of the current status in Canada, at a national level, and in their region of work.
As the situation evolves, public health recommendations may change. Employers and workers are recommended to regularly check the website of the public health authority in their province or territory to obtain updates and information on the preventive measures in place, particularly the availability of measles vaccination in their region:
Reminders regarding the responsibilities of employers and workers participating in the TFW Program
- On or before the beginning of the employment period, the employer must provide workers with the most recent version of the document: Temporary foreign workers: Your rights are protected - Canada.ca. The employer must also ensure that this information remains accessible to the workers throughout the duration of their employment.
- Workers are entitled to free healthcare under the health insurance system of the province or territory where they work. In case of delays upon their arrival or for any other period during which the workers are not covered, the employer must obtain and pay, without deductions from the worker’s salary, for a private health insurance covering emergency medical care until the workers are covered by the provincial or territorial plan. For workers under the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) stream, the employer should ensure to follow requirements provided in the SAWP contracts.
- As the most effective way to protect oneself against measles is through vaccination, workers are encouraged to review their immunization history, including for measles, before coming to work in Canada. The employer should also make reasonable efforts to support workers who wish to voluntarily get vaccinated in Canada.
- In the event of an outbreak of communicable diseases, such as measles, the employer must work with the appropriate provincial or territorial public health authority to establish clear protocols to mitigate disease spread and maintain transparent communication with employees and the public health authority. Both the employer and the workers must follow the guidelines issued by public health. This includes recommendations regarding isolation for a specified period, including when housing is provided by the employer.
- If a worker is sick or shows symptoms of measles, they must inform their employer as soon as possible, isolate at home and call a health care provider immediately for advice. If the worker needs to leave isolation to seek medical care, it is essential to inform the facility before arriving, that the worker may have measles to allow for appropriate precautions to prevent the spread of virus to others. The employer must make reasonable efforts to ensure that workers have access to healthcare services and professionals, such as a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
In order to maintain a safe working environment, it is essential for employers and temporary foreign workers to be aware of available preventive measures to reduce the transmission of measles, especially given the resurgence of cases.
You are encouraged to share this communication throughout your respective networks, and with any colleagues or partners who may need to be aware of this information.
If you have questions about measles, please consult:
- *Measles: What you should know (factsheet) - Canada.ca;
- Measles: Prevention and risks - Canada.ca;
- Measles: Symptoms and treatment - Canada.ca, and
- public health services in your area.
*Please note that a Spanish version of the information sheet is linked here: Measles Factsheet_SPA
If you have questions on the TFW Program, please visit Canada.ca or reach out to the Employer Contact Centre.
Thank you for your continued collaboration.
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Employment and Social Development Canada