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32 WC DAIRY NEWS  CHRISTMAS 2024
Early Planning Essential
for TFW Hiring Success
Husanpreet Sandhu, Temporary Foreign Worker Coordinator
The Admin Barn Immigration Consulting Ltd.
Dairy farming is a round-the-clock
In the past, dairy farmers could typically
operation that relies heavily on a
plan their labor needs just a couple of
consistent and reliable workforce. With
months in advance, but now they must
fewer Canadians willing to take on the
begin the application process four to
physically demanding and time-sensitive
six months ahead of time to ensure
nature of dairy farming, temporary
their workers arrive on schedule. This
foreign workers (TFWs) have become
extended timeline presents challenges,
essential to the industry. However, the
especially considering the year-round
process of hiring foreign workers has
nature of dairy farming. By starting the
become increasingly complex in recent
application process earlier in the winter,
years, largely due to growing backlogs at
farmers can better account for potential
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
delays in processing times and ensure
Canada (IRCC). These delays have led to
they have the necessary workforce during
longer processing times for work permits
their busiest months.
and Labor Market Impact Assessments
(LMIAs), making it more difficult for
farmers to plan ahead.
To hire foreign workers, farmers must
first apply for an LMIA through the
Temporary Foreign Worker Program
(TFWP). This process involves proving
that no qualified Canadians are available
to fill the positions and proving that hiring
foreign workers won’t negatively impact
the local job market. Getting an approved
LMIA is only the beginning – once the LMIA
is approved, workers must still apply for
work permits, which can further extend
the timeline.
Given these complexities, it’s essential
for farmers to be as precise as possible in
forecasting their labor needs. This means
carefully assessing the requirements for
the entire season, including the busier
months, and estimating how many
workers will be needed at each stage.
Starting the process early helps ensure
Celebrating an Enthusiastic Champion of Celebrating an Enthusiastic Champion of
that workers are in place when needed
and that the farm can run smoothly.
Jersey, Dairy, Agriculture and Jersey, Dairy, Agriculture and People! People!
Congratulations to Russell Gammon, Fergus, ON, who
was recently awarded the prestigious King Charles III
Coronation Medal.
The medal celebrates Canadians who go above and
beyond while serving their community, province,
and country. Senator Rob Black, a champion of
agriculture himself, announced his list of nominees in
September. Russell was noted for his contributions as
an agriculture ambassador in education and history.
To know Russell is to understand how inadequate the
word ‘enthusiastic’ is to describe his energy and positivity!
Russell’s humour and fervor are unparalleled and infectious!
Canada’s dairy scene has benefitted from his passion, commitment, and leadership
- anyone who has met Russell has experienced this firsthand!
Congratulations Russe!!, your recognition is well-deserved.
When foreign workers arrive, farmers
must provide suitable accommodations,
which might include housing on or
near the farm. These accommodations
must meet specific safety and comfort
standards, and failing to comply with
these regulations can result in penalties
or even prevent the farm from hiring
foreign workers in the future. Additionally,
farmers are required to pay workers at
least the provincial minimum wage or
the commodity wage for the province
– whichever is higher – and, in some
cases, provide transportation to and
from the workplace. These additional
aspects should be addressed early in
hiring process.
Start TFW
Hiring
Process
Creating a positive and
supportive environment for
foreign workers is crucial for retaining
a stable workforce. Workers who are
treated fairly, with clear communication
about their roles and duties, are more
likely to return the following season. This
is particularly important in dairy farming,
where continuity of labor is essential
for maintaining herd health and farm
productivity. A stable workforce leads to
better animal care, which in turn results
in higher milk yields and overall farm
efficiency.
By planning ahead, starting the
recruitment process early, and
maintaining a positive working
environment for foreign workers,
dairy farmers can better manage the
challenges posed by longer processing
times. If you are a dairy producer, we
know with careful preparation, you can
secure the labor you need to care for
your herd and keep your farm running
efficiently throughout the year.
Wishing you a wonderful Christmas
and a very Happy New Year!
Serving the Fraser Valley and Beyond – talk to us
Call Tim – 604-302-2112
The Admin Barn
Immigration Consulting
Good help is hard to find but we know the way.
The Admin Barn was founded to meet
the growing need of Canadian farms for
quality labour through Immigration and
Recruitment Services.
Contact Us for support with LMIAs,
Foreign Labour Recruitment, Work Permits
and more.
We pride ourselves on connecting
farms with the right workers to create
long-lasting employment solutions.
• General Contracting
• General Contracting
• Agricultural
• Residential
Contact Us
Serving Western Canada since 2020
604-302-9428
www.theadminbarn.ca
office@theadminbarn.ca
“Building Your “Building Your F Future” uture”