Support for Temporary Foreign Workers in Ontario: Canadian Red Cross Deployment

Date: July 8, 2020
Classification: Unclassified
Fully releasable (ATIP)? Yes
Branch / Agency: EMPB

Issue:

The Canadian Red Cross has been engaged to support Temporary Foreign Workers due to a COVID outbreak in Ontario.

Proposed Response:

Background:

Activities to isolate 182 TFW from the Leamington Farm who have tested negative are proceeding well under the overall coordination of ON Health. Positive cases are being monitored/isolated at their original location. CRC is fully engaged in the provision of services at the three designated hotels. CRC has completed security assessments and has begun registration and assessing non-medical needs at all three sites while continuing to work on establishing zoning protocols in the hotels. 

Governance continues to evolve. Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-term Care (MOHLTC) has the lead and will be the interface between the province and CRC. CRC is in the final stages of entering into an agreement with MOHLTC that will clarify services offered by MOH and CRC. Given urgency of action, some confusion over provincial contracting authority remains. Provincial EMO has indicated they are managing various contracts (i.e., food provision) which overlaps with the proposed CRC’s role. Coordination calls with ON MOHLTC will be re-initiated starting July 7th and will help bring clarity.

Ontario is taking steps to address risks of a broader outbreak in the region.

Key/Ongoing issues:

The Canadian Red Cross’s deployment will be funded through the up to $100 million in support for the Red Cross that the Prime Minister announced on May 16, 2020. This funding was committed to support additional relief and recovery efforts this year related to COVID-19, floods and wildfires.

Contacts:

Prepared by: Peter Hoy, Senior Operations Officer, (343) 550-2515
Approved by: Patrick Tanguy, SADM, (613) 993-4325

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