Western Agriculture
Labour Initiative
130 - 32160 South Fraser Way
Abbotsford, BC V2T 1W5
Tel. 604-854-4450
Fax. 604-854-4457
Email. info@walicanada.com
Labour Solutions | BC Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (BCSAWP)
Western Agriculture Labour Initiative
Labour Solutions | Sourcing Foreign Workers | Low Skill Worker Program | WALI Fees | Links & Forms
This is a bi-lateral agreement between Canada, the Commonwealth Caribbean & Mexico. This managed foreign migration program for seasonal agricultural workers has been operating in BC since 2004.
SAWP General Guidelines:
- SAWP only available to farm employers
- SAWP a unique agreement open to Mexico & Commonwealth Caribbean only
- Foreign Ministry of Labour selects and recruits workers
- Work permit valid for current calendar year to Dec. 15
- Contract employment period a minimum of 240 hrs. to a maximum 8 months, over an 11 month period
- Contract wages and deductions are negotiated annually at Review meetings with Service Canada, WALI and foreign governments
- Employer advances Work Visa fee for employee - (recoverable cost)
- Employer provides return airfare for worker – (non recoverable cost)
- Employer provides annually inspected and approved accommodation - (partially recoverable cost)
- Employer either provide meals (partially recoverable cost) or provides cooking facilities/utensils
- Employer registers the worker for provincial medical services plan
- Employer advances non-occupational health insurance coverage for worker to RBC Insurance - (recoverable cost)
- Employer must provide occupational health coverage (WorkSafeBC)
- EI, CPP and CRA deductions are similar to domestic workers