Let’s Talk About What Foreign Workers Bring To Our Country (It’s More Than Economics!)
Do you ever think about the individuals behind every fresh vegetable in your grocery store? Or that behind every completed construction project is a foreign worker whose contributions often go unnoticed?
Foreign workers aren't just temporary helpers in Canada. They make up the backbone of industries that keep the country growing and thriving. Plus, with nearly 1 million foreign workers now making up 4.1% of Canada's entire workforce, their impact is impossible to ignore!
But while the average citizen knows the impact that these workers bring to our economy, there’s a question that responsible employers should be asking: Are we protecting these essential contributors who power our economy?
Or are we leaving them(and potentially our businesses) vulnerable during their most critical moments?
Foreign Workers are the Engine Driving Canadian Growth
Take a moment to think about your last trip to the grocery store. There's an 18% chance they were harvested by foreign workers who make up nearly one-fifth of Canada's agricultural workforce.
The temporary foreign worker population has more than doubled since 2011, growing from 356,000 to 845,000 workers. This growth is a direct response to critical labor shortages that threaten to cripple key industries.
Your business, whether you realize it or not, likely depends on industries supported by foreign workers. But even with their crucial role in sustaining and growing the Canadian economy, too many employers still view their foreign workforce as a temporary solution rather than the strategic asset they truly are.
Foreign Workers in Canada – Real People Building Real Futures
49% of new economic immigrants were formerly temporary foreign workers. But they're not just passing through our country. They’re investing – building lives, contributing to communities, and investing in our future while supporting families thousands of miles away.
And they bring much more than just skilled labor. Research shows that two-thirds of foreign workers arrive with university degrees or postsecondary certifications. That’s specialized skills and fresh perspectives that drive innovation.
Think about what this means for your business. Every foreign worker you employ could be tomorrow's team leader. They could step in to become skilled specialists who train others or dedicated employees who help you expand into new markets.
But for companies to grow, they must have the opportunities to thrive and stay healthy.
Why Smart Employers See Healthcare as a Strategic Investment
When you protect your foreign workers with comprehensive healthcare coverage, you're making a strategic investment that pays dividends.
Protected workers are productive workers. It's that simple.
A worker worried about what happens if they fall ill can't give you their best. A worker who knows they're covered? They're focused, engaged, and committed.
Word Of Mouth Matters in Foreign Employment
In Canada’s labor market, foreign workers have more choices than you might expect. They talk to each other. They share experiences – both good and bad.
Word travels fast about which employers truly care for their workers and which ones do the bare minimum. When you offer comprehensive health coverage from day one, you become the employer of choice..
Quality Health Coverage Can Pay Dividends Elsewhere
You likely already know the math. The cost of recruiting, training, and onboarding a new foreign worker can easily exceed $5,000-$10,000 when you factor in travel, documentation, and lost productivity.
Compare that to the cost of comprehensive health coverage. Which investment makes more sense – constantly replacing workers who leave for better-protected positions, or keeping your trained, experienced team healthy and loyal?
Coverage Equals Enhanced Productivity
At the end of the day, operations are often about output. And while it may be tempting to think only in cost-reduction efforts, many employers miss that investment can often help reduce long-term expenses.
Comprehensive health coverage maximizes productivity. A worker who can quickly address health issues stays productive. They reduce the ripple effects of low morale, low output, and the risks of higher costs related to emergency care.
It’s Time We Celebrate Foreign Workers Through Protection
At People Corporation, we know that celebrating foreign workers means more than appreciation events or cultural recognition days.
It means ensuring they're protected from the moment they arrive until their contracts end.
Our comprehensive coverage fills the gaps that leave workers vulnerable and businesses exposed.
This year, celebrate your foreign workers with more than words, protect them with comprehensive healthcare coverage that shows you value their contributions. With hiring season approaching and competition for quality workers intensifying, can you afford to be the employer who offers only the bare minimum?
Your foreign workers are building Canada's future while supporting families abroad. They're driving economic growth, filling critical roles, and choosing to invest their talents in your business. They deserve more than recognition. They deserve protection.
Don't wait for a crisis to realize the true value of comprehensive coverage. Contact us today to learn how we can help you protect your champions starting today.
Looking to provide your foreign workers with the necessary healthcare coverage?
Click through the video below to learn about the FWCHP.
