Temporary Foreign Workers: A Sustainable Contribution at the Heart of Maple Businesses
For several years, more and more Quebec companies have been turning to foreign labour through the
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Long considered a temporary, last-resort solution, this
approach is now emerging as a sustainable and structuring lever for many industries, including maple
production.
At Arimé, many employers tell us week after week that the
contribution of temporary foreign workers (TFWs) has become
essential not only for the continuity of their operations, but also
for the growth of their businesses. But how can hiring TFWs
become a long-term asset for your maple enterprise?
THE IMPORTANCE OF PLANNING AND ORGANIZATION
For hiring temporary foreign workers to become a sustainable
and structured solution, careful planning and organization are
essential. Too many companies still approach the process as a
last-minute, temporary solution.
Our experience clearly shows that a proactive approach is the
most efficient and profitable. This can be reflected in several
forms:
• Plan worker arrivals at least 6 to 8 months in advance.
This allows you flexibility if delays occur during the Labour Market
Impact Assessment (LMIA) process, if government processing
slows down, or if your worker housing inspection must be redone.
• Implement sound document management practices.
The administrative side of hiring TFWs can become complex,
especially if it is neglected early in the process. Keep your
documents up to date and respond promptly to requests for
information, document signatures, and other administrative
steps. This will prevent constant searching through files and
unnecessary time loss.
• Think about a realistic and effective employee rotation.
Many employers rely on a single worker and renew their
authorizations from contract to contract without considering the
long-term impact. This can lead to fatigue, dissatisfaction from
the worker who misses their family, and a decline in performance.
Planning for multiple workers can often be a winning strategy.
Anticipate vacation periods between contracts, holiday periods
such as Christmas, and other breaks. With a rotation system, you
can maintain operational stability while ensuring workers have
the rest they need.
Maple production relies on a short, intense, and non-postponable
production window. Proper planning allows you to secure the
essential labour needed during the critical moments of the season,
avoid delays that can lead to production losses, and safeguard
your operations year after year.
RECOGNITION AND RETENTION
Temporary foreign workers are employees like any other.
It is therefore essential to apply the same human resource
management practices used with Canadian employees.
Take the time to check in on their job satisfaction, ensure
they understand their responsibilities, and make it a habit to
acknowledge their efforts when they exceed expectations. A
valued employee is far easier to keep motivated.
It is also natural for some workers to stand out through their
motivation, performance, or leadership abilities. Many employers
do not realize that promoting a foreign worker is entirely possible.
This can be an excellent way to recognize their contributions
and encourage long-term retention while benefiting from their
growing expertise.
However, changing a TFW’s position requires additional
administrative steps, including a new LMIA and a new work permit
for the updated role.
Encouraging the retention of TFWs also allows you to stabilize
and strengthen their skills, while avoiding the need to reinvest in
training every year. High employee turnover is a major obstacle
to business stability and performance. Beyond the direct costs
of recruitment and training, it leads to operational disruption, loss
of knowledge, and constant retraining.
This situation complicates medium- and long-term planning and
may hinder the growth of your business, particularly in a context
of labour shortages.
Investing in the skills of foreign workers within your team helps
your business grow by transforming a temporary solution into
a true development lever, while recognizing the human value
behind every member of your workforce.
In a demanding and seasonal industry such as maple production,
temporary foreign workers are not simply a last-resort solution,
but rather key a structuring force that enables companies to
ensure their continuity, growth, and long-term sustainability.
When well planned, properly supported, and genuinely valued,
this workforce becomes a key driver of success, at the heart of
business development and operational performance.
Whether you currently employ foreign workers or are considering
this option, a thoughtful approach tailored to your reality can make
all the difference. In the complex world of temporary immigration,
it is essential to be well supported.
Do not hesitate to contact us to discuss the most promising
solutions for securing the future of your maple business.
