Is Your Business Ready for Canada's Foreign Worker Boom? Don't Let Insurance Gaps Hold You Back
The latest data is clear: Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is growing faster than ever. And while growth and opportunity are great, there’s a risk here that many Canadian employers don’t realise: as the program doubles in size, so do the risks of not having proper insurance coverage.
Your business is working hard to bring in the talent you need. That means you are likely dealing with paperwork, handling immigration requirements for foreign workers, and investing your time and resources into recruiting the best for your business.
But are you taking the steps to protect that investment with the right insurance coverage?
Recent reports show that the TFWP has exploded from 100,000 approved positions in 2021 to over 200,000 in 2023.
That's not just growth – it shows a complete transformation in how Canadian businesses build their workforce. It’s such a huge growth that many in Canada’s leadership are looking to balance the influx of foreign workers against a rising unemployment rate.
But with any change comes the need to analyse the new responsibilities and risks that too many employers may not be prepared for.
You aren’t the only one paying attention to the numbers. The Canadian government is also watching more closely than ever. Penalties have increased for companies caught not doing their due diligence, and the consequences of getting it wrong can put your entire business at risk.
Why This Foreign Worker Boom Changes Everything for Your Business
This isn't just another shift in the labour market. When a program doubles in size in just two years, it’s a clear signal of a change in how Canadian businesses need to operate.
But what's driving this explosive growth? And more importantly, what does it mean for employers like you?
The Perfect Storm in Canada's Labour Market
The Canadian domestic workforce is aging fast. With more workers retiring than entering the workforce, many businesses find themselves short-handed, and that gap only continues to grow.
Some industries are feeling the squeeze more than others – such as agriculture, healthcare, construction, or hospitality companies. Finding skilled workers to fill key roles across any industry is becoming nearly impossible without looking beyond our borders.
Even when you find local candidates, they may lack the specific skills or experience your business needs. That's why the TFWP has become less of a "temporary" solution and more of a necessity for long-term success.
Big Changes Require Big Adaptation
Just as the program is growing, so is government oversight. The most recent changes in the way companies hire foreign workers are leading to even more scrutiny:
Compliance requirements are stricter than ever
Government monitoring has intensified
A single mistake could cost you up to $45,000
Program violations could ban you from hiring foreign workers for years
Think about that last point for a moment. – in a tight labour market, could your business survive being cut off from foreign workers for even a year? Six months?
This is why proper insurance coverage isn't just another box to check in your operations. It could be your best protection against risks threatening your entire operation.
Why Your Insurance Coverage Strategy Matters More Than Ever
As the TFWP grows, the government isn't just watching numbers. They are looking at how employers are taking steps to protect foreign workers – and the rules and compliance requirements mean that companies need to take steps to ensure they haven’t missed any details.
Here are just a few of the consequences companies could face when insurance coverage for foreign workers isn’t offered:
Fines that have jumped from $15,000 to $45,000 per violation
Program bans that could sideline your business for up to 5 years
Each worker-related violation counts separately (not per incident)
A single gap in coverage affecting multiple workers could mean multiple fines, and those costs could spiral as penalties rise.
What Your Workers Need (And What the Government Demands)
The government isn't just suggesting better protection – they're requiring it. You need coverage that kicks in the moment your workers arrive in the workforce and coverage that bridges provincial healthcare waiting periods. It also must meet all health and safety standards.
Perhaps most importantly, this isn’t just about avoiding fines or meeting compliance – it's about protecting real people who've traveled far to work for your company. And when you get it right, you're not just protecting them. You're protecting your business, too.
How FWCHP Protects Your Business and Your Workers
When your company needs comprehensive protection that meets all TFWP requirements, FWCHP has you covered. Our commitment to helping Canadian companies provide for their foreign workers is about more than just offering insurance – we want to bring you peace of mind in your daily operations.
FWCHP can connect your company with comprehensive coverage that includes:
Complete life insurance and accidental death benefits
Income replacement when workers need it most
Comprehensive health coverage, from hospital services to prescriptions
Emergency dental and paramedical services
Plus, we strive to make the entire process simple and straightforward – with single-point administration, streamlined claims processing, and group rates that make sense for your bottom line.
Making Insurance Work for Your Business As TFWP Grows
As the numbers continue to grow, don’t wait for a crisis or consequence before you think about your coverage. Here are some simple steps you can take to protect your business now:
Get Started Before Your Workers Arrive
Get your coverage in place early -- waiting creates unnecessary risk
Review your specific needs based on job types and worker numbers
Set up clear processes for enrolment and claims
Keep Your Protection Current
Maintain organised records of policies and enrolments
Schedule regular policy reviews
Make sure workers understand their benefits
Stay on top of renewals
Proper insurance coverage isn't just about compliance – it’s about investing in a sustainable foundation for your business that relies on a skilled global workforce. Over 200,000 positions were approved in the past year – that’s 200,000 reasons to make sure your business is protected.
Ready to give your foreign workers the protection they deserve while safeguarding your business? Contact FWCHP today to learn how we can help you now!
Looking to provide your foreign workers with the necessary healthcare coverage?
Click through the video below to learn about the FWCHP.
