Caregiver agency group decries immigration changes
Maple Ridge News
July 06, 2010

Recent changes to Immigration Canada’s Foreign Live-in Caregiver Program have increased the burden on Canadian families through high costs and increased risks, according to the Association of Caregiver and Nanny Agencies Canada.

The changes, which went into effect April 1, now require any family hiring a live-in caregiver for children, elderly or disabled care to pay all travel costs, medical insurance, workers’ compensation premiums and all employee recruitment costs.

As a result, placements for overseas caregivers have dropped by 70 to 90 per cent.

“Many reputable caregiver agencies have closed down and many families are left with no elder or child care,” contends Manuela Gruber Hersch, president of ACNA Canada. …

Although the employing family must pay all associated costs, the caregiver has no obligation to stay with the family and can terminate employment at any time….

While the new LCP requirements fall in line with Immigration Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker program, ACNA Canada says that’s a move in the wrong direction.

“The corporation’s main objective is to grow revenue and turn a profit, while the family’s objective is to raise healthy children and provide care for future and senior Canadians,” said Hersch.