During COVID-19, MOSAIC’s Migrant Workers Hub located in Surrey is closed, but services are available online and by phone. We are committed to supporting Temporary Foreign Workers.
We have services in English, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Tagalog. Interpretation support in over 50 languages is available upon request. Contact us through:
- migrantworkers@mosaicbc.org
- (236) 889-8541, (604) 218-7347, (604) 704-5346 & (236) 889-4115
- Zoom, WhatsApp text & video, text, iMessage & FaceTime are also available
Addtional updates
- ESDC Bulletin – April 3, 2020
- Service Canada Outreach Services brochure
- ESDC’s COVID19 Guide for Workers
- Mask Donations for Essential Items Kits
- Mask Donations from Protect Frontline Workers (PDF)
- Omni News Filipino Edition interviews Girlly Cumberland about BC Government announcement on temporary foreign workers
About
Our Migrant Workers Program works to educate and support migrant workers, employers and resource agencies serving both groups within the province of British Columbia.
Subscribe to our Migrant Workers Program newsletter here.
Program Objectives
Not-for profits
- Working together to enhance the knowledge and capacity of supporting organizations to meet the needs of migrant workers and/or employers.
Migrant Workers
- Educating migrant workers about their rights and accessible services and resources;
- Providing a trusted channel to bring forward issues or allegations of abuse or wrongdoing;
- Assisting in filing complaints from Employment Standards Branch and WorkSafeBC;
- Support with the vulnerable open work permit application;
- Info sessions, resource fairs, and workshops.
Employers
- Supporting employers in understanding the conditions and requirements of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
Events
- Free Personal Development (Dec 6, Jan 10, Jan 31) – Soft Skills Training (PDF)
- Online Learning Program for Migrant Workers ISSofBC – More information
- CDWCR, Chinese New Years & Valentine’s Day Celebration (Feb 21) – More information
- CDWCR, New Years Celebration (Jan 17) – More information
- Health and Safety at Work (Wednesdays, Jan 6 – Feb 24) – Building Resilient Workers (PDF)
- How to take care of yourself, online classes (Sundays, Jan 10 – Feb 21) – Working on Wellness (PDF)
- Conversation Circles for Temporary Foreign Workers – Practice your English (PDF)
- Archway – Drive By Education & Christmas Health Fair (Nov 20 & Dec 11 2020)
- Archway – Drive By Education & Christmas Health Fair (Nov 20 2020) – More information
- Virtual Information Nights for Migrant Workers (Dec 9, 16, 23 2020) – More information
- Health Workshop for Migrant Workers (Dec 8, 2020) – More information
- Employment Workshop for Migrant Workers(Dec 9, 2020) – More information
- Staying Healthy: Challenges & Issues (November 22) for Migrant Workers (PDF)
- Working on Wellnes for Migrant Workers (Nov 6 – Dec 18) – Information (PDF)
- CDWCR Anniversary & Christmas Celebrations for Migrant Workers (December 13) – Information (PDF)
- Housing 101 for Migrant Workers (PDF)
- Information Session: BC Healthcare for Migrant Workers (PDF)
- Concurso de Altares de Dia de Muertos
- Participating in Virtual Meetings and Webinars for Migrant Workers (PDF)
- First Aid Training for Migrant Workers (PDF)
- FOODSafe Level 1 for Migrant Workers (PDF)
- Migrant Workers’ Empowerment Circle, Program Launch – Virtual Event (PDF)
- Spooky Stories of Vancouver – Social and Educational event for Temporary Foreign Workers (PDF)
- Virtual Conference for Filipino Migrant Workers: Immigration Matters Part 2 (Sept. 19, 2020)
- Online English Classes – Clases de Ingles en Línea
- Struggles Faced by Migrant Workers, Online Session – Dificultades que Enfrentan los Trabajadores Migrantes, Taller en Línea
- Diabetes and Hypertension Prevention and Management (Spanish) (Sept. 23, 2020)
- Virtual Conference for Filipino Migrant Workers (July 18 – September 2020)
- Migrant Workers Centre: Evening Help Line (Tues + Thurs 5-8PM)
- FOODSAFE Level 1 for Migrant Workers (Saturday July 25)
- Emergency First Aid and CPR/AED for Filipino Migrant Workers (July 30 & 31)
- June 16: Spanish Migrant Workers Online Session – Conoce tus Derechos de Trabajo en Canadá
- June 4: Spanish Migrant Workers Online Session – Conoce tus Derechos de Trabajo en Canadá
March 15: Migrant Workers ForumFORUM CANCELLED- March 28: Income Tax Session for Caregivers
- Online Learning: Stress Management
- Online Learning: Assertive Communication
- Online Learning: Clear Communication
- Online Learning: Handling Conflict
- Online Learning: Canadian Workplace Culture
- Online Learning for Temporary Foreign Workers
- South Vancouver Migrant Workers Empowerment Circle
- Workshop: Feb. 29 – Know your Immigration Rights
- Mural: Workers’ Voices
- Mural: Employment Standards Act
- Mural: Work Permit
- Feb. 22 – Health info night
- Feb. 17 – Family Day celebrations
- (Feb. 7) – Employment Standards Workshop
- (Jan. 26) – Migrant Workers Support Network (Spanish Flyer)
- (Jan. 25) – Info-night for Migrant Workers: What to do in an Emergency Situation
- (Dec. 8) – Christmas Dinner for Migrant Workers
- (Nov. 23, 30 & Dec. 7, 14) – Prevention of Dental Decay in Children Workshop for Caregivers
- Nov. 17, 24 – Migrant Workers Support Network (English Flyer) (Spanish Flyer)
- Nov. 17 – Migrant Workers Forum
- Oct. 5: TFWs Convention
- Oct. 12: Thanksgiving dinner celebration
- Oct.22: Personal Safety & Accessing Emergency Services
- Sept. 29: Soccer tournament + info session (Mexican farm workers)
- Study Workshops on Different Laws Affecting Migrant Care Workers (PDF)
- Coming soon: Prevention of Dental Decay in Children (PDF)
- Info-session for Migrant Workers (Victoria, Sept. 7)
- July 7: Summer Resource Fair for Migrant Workers
- June 30: Dinner & Drinks with Lower Similkameen Community Services Society
- June 23: 15th Anniversary of SAWP Celebration
- June 15: Resource Fair for Village Farm Workers
- June 2: Forum on Migrant Worker Issues
- May 5: Cinco de Mayo celebration
Collaborating agencies
Archway Community Services (ACS)
2420 Montrose Ave, Abbotsford, BC, V2S 3S9
Manpreet Grewal, 604-859-7681 ext. 272, manpreet.grewal@archway.ca
Burnaby Neighbourhood House (BNH)
4460 Beresford Street, Burnaby, BC V5H 0B8
Gulalai Habib gulalaih@burnabynh.ca
Vancouver Committee for Domestic Workers and Caregivers (CDWCR)
Julie Diesta, P: 604.874.0649 cdwcr.org@gmail.com
Dignidad Migrante Society
880 Malkin Ave, Vancouver BC
Raul Gatica, 778-791-3419, imfarmworker@gmail.com
Natalia Sudeyko, 604-868-5833, nsudeyko@gmail.com
ISSofBC
615 -333 Terminal Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6A 4C1
Bea David, 604-684-2561 Ext. 1417, bea.david@issbc.org
Migrante BC
4794 Fraser St, Vancouver BC, V5V 4H3
Erie Maestro, 604-366-7218, migrante.bc@gmail.com
Options Community Services
4-13634 104 Avenue, Surrey, BC V3T 1W2
Iris Solorzano, 604-954-0482, iris.solorzano@options.bc.ca
Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS)
205- 12725 80th Avenue, Surrey, BC, V3W 3A6
Devinder Chattha, 604-596-7722 ext 107, devinder.chattha@pics.bc.ca
carlos.sandoval@pics.bc.ca
Salvation Army Anti-Human Trafficking Programs
PO Box 2316, Vancouver, BC V6B 1Y0
Larissa Maxwell, 604.694.6640, Larissa_maxwell@can.salvationarmy.org, larissa@deborahsgate.ca
South Vancouver Neighbourhood House (SVNH)
6470 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, BC V5P 3X7
Koyali Burman, 604-324-6212, Koyali.burman@southvan.org
Umbrella Multicultural Health
Co-op
715 Carnarvon Street, New Westminster, BC, V3M 6G3
Shaina Schafers, 604-553-0633, umc-coordinator@umbrellacoop.ca
Vancouver Association of Survivors of Torture (VAST)
2610 Victoria Drive, Vancouver BC
Mariana Martinez Vieyra mariana@vast-vancouver.ca
Sara saramaria@vast-vancouver.ca
Watari Research Association
200-678 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6A 1R1
Ingrid Mendez, 604-328-8492, ingrid@watari.ca
YMCA Robert Lee
955 Burrard St., Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y2
Lizeth Escobedo Uribe, 604 673 6155, lizeth.escobedo@gv.ymca.ca
Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA)
930 Balmoral Rd, Victoria, BC V8T 1A8
Winnie Lee wlee@icavictoria.org, (250) 388-4728
Immigrant & Multicultural Services Society of Prince George (IMSS)
1270 2nd Ave, Prince George, BC V2L 3B3
Ravi Saxena, ravis@imss.ca, 250-562-2900
Kelowna Community Resources Society (KCR-Community)
620 Leon Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9T2
Javier Robles javier@kcr.ca
Kamloops Immigrant Services (KIS)
Tranquille Road, Kamloops, BC V2B 3H2
France Lamontagne, 778-470-6101, executivedirector@kcris.ca
Lower Similkameen Community Services Society (LSCSS)
720 – 3rd Street, Keremeos, BC V0X 1N3
Sarah Martin, 250-499-2352 ext 104, admin@LSCSS.com
Shuswap Immigrant Services Society (SISS)
101 – 371 Hudson Ave NE, PO Box 304, Salmon Arm BC V1E 4N3
Adrienne Munro/Amanda Eastwood, 250-804-2726 (Office), 250-920-8314 (Cell)
exec@sissociety.ca
Vernon & District Immigrant & Community Services Society (VDICSS)
#100, 3003-30th Street, Vernon, BC V1T 9J5
Aida Sanchez, aida.sanchez@vdicss.org
Program Information
Migrant Worker Hub
200 – 7134 King George Blvd.
Surrey, BC V3W 5A3
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Saleem Spindari
Senior Manager of Refugees and Migrant Workers Programs
Phone: 604 254 9626 ext. 1006
Email: sspindari@mosaicbc.org
Dennis Juarez
Manager of Migrant Workers Program
Phone, WhatsApp, iMessage & Facetime: 604 704 5346
Email: djuarez@mosaicbc.org
Support in English & Spanish
Jennifer Ng
Coordinator
Phone, SMS: 604 218 7347
Email: jng@mosaicbc.org
Support in English, Cantonese & Mandarin
Monica Sousa
Program Assistant
Phone: 236 521 7083
Email: msousa@mosaicbc.org
Support in English & Portuguese
Carolina Nunez
Settlement Worker
Phone, WhatsApp: 236 889 8541
Email: cnunez@mosaicbc.org
Support in English & Spanish
Girlly Cumberland
Settlement Worker
Phone: 604 254 9626 ext. 1121
WhatsApp: 236 889 4115
Email: gcumberland@mosaicbc.org
Support in English & Tagalog
Informacion para Trabajadores:
- Pension Canadiense para jóvenes y viejos (CPP y OAS) (PDF)
- Solicita tu seguro the empleo (EI) (PDF)
- Permiso de Trabajo Abierto para Trabajadores Vulnerables (PDF)
- Seguro Medico para Trabajadores (PDF)
- Cuida tus ganancias, informacion sobre impuestos (PDF)
Open Work Permit Factsheets:
Program Postcard:
Others:
In partnership with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), MOSAIC is accepting requests for collaboration from not-for-profit organizations until August 15, 2020, whose projects intend to:
- Support migrant workers during emergency situations both COVID and non-COVID related;
- Increase migrant workers’ awareness and understanding of their rights and responsibilities through educational activities and/or existing educational material;
- Empower migrant workers to exercise their rights by providing or assisting in accessing services available to them;
- Foster inclusion and welcoming of migrant workers through social, cultural and/or sporting events;
- Assist employers in supporting migrant workers they hire (e.g. provide interpretation services, deliver workshops at the workplace, etc.);
- Increase employers’ awareness and understanding of the needs, challenges and issues faced by migrant workers and their responsibilities (and of their staff) as per Program requirements and conditions;
- A combination of the above.
This federal initiative will provide funding to assist community organizations within the province of B.C.:
- in their capacity to implement sustainable, innovative approaches to assist workers and employers better understand their rights and responsibilities under the TFW Program, and;
- in their response to emergencies related to workers including both COVID and non-COVID related emergencies (in contrast with the Immediate Response to Emergencies which provides short-term and immediate financial aid to organizations supporting TFWs in situations of emergency).
Through MOSAIC, organizations now have access to 3 streams of funding:
Stream 1: Immediate Response to Emergencies. Through this process, initially launched in June 2020, organizations may apply for funding to provide short-term and immediate emergency financial aid to TFWs in situation of emergency (now both COVID and non-COVID related). This is a revised version of the funding stream that was announced in June 2020.
Stream 2: Project Based Capacity Building. This stream of funding may include emergency funding (COVID and non-COVID) along with project based funding. Collaborating organizations may be eligible for a maximum of $60,000 and there is a limit of one proposal per organization.
Stream 3: Ad-Hoc funds for non-emergency and non-COVID projects and/or activities to support migrant workers. (e.g. transportation to events, translation/interpretation support)
Steams 1 and 3: $500 to $5,000 per Request for Collaboration. Organizations will be able to reapply for funding during the funding period.
Steam 2: up to $60,000 per project, per organization.
Completion Date: All approved activities are to be completed no later than February 24, 2021.
Request for Collaboration – Submission Form
Download the Submission Form here.
Please email the completed Request for Collaboration Form to Saleem Spindari, Senior Manager of Refugees and Migrant Workers Programs, at sspindari@mosaicbc.org with any additional documents you feel are relevant to further highlight the information in this Request for Collaboration. All Request for Collaboration should be completed and sent to the appropriate email address by September 8, 2020.
Stream 1: Immediate Response to Emergencies
- Complete Request for Collaboration Form
- Completed Request for Collaboration to Saleem Spindari, Senior Manager of Refugees and Migrant Workers Programs, at sspindari@mosaicbc.org with any additional documents you feel are relevant to further highlight the information in this Request for Collaboration
Stream 2: Project Based Capacity Building
- Complete Request for Collaboration Form
- Completed Request for Collaboration to Saleem Spindari, Senior Manager of Refugees and Migrant Workers Programs, at sspindari@mosaicbc.org with any additional documents you feel are relevant to further highlight the information in this Request for Collaboration
- NOTE: All Request for Collaboration should be completed and sent to the appropriate email address by September 8, 2020.
Stream 3: Ad-Hoc funds for non-emergency and non-COVID projects and/or activities to support migrant workers. (e.g. transportation to events, translation/interpretation support)
- Please contact Saleem Spindari, Senior Manager of Refugees and Migrant Workers Programs, at sspindari@mosaicbc.org
Q: Is there a deadline for submitting a Request for Collaboration?
A: For Stream 2: Requests for collaboration are being accepted until September 8, 2020. For Streams 1 and 3, Requests for Collaboration are being accepted until further notice. All approved activities are to be completed no later than February 24, 2021.
Q: Could groups that are not considered “not-for-profits” apply for funding under this project?
A: Only not-for-profits that are registered in BC could apply. Other groups are welcome to collaborate with a registered not-for-profit group in BC working with migrant workers to apply for funding.
Q: Are there any reporting requirements for projects that received funding?
A: Groups that receive funding are required to report back on activities that they perform. A reporting template will be shared with each group who signs a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate.
The reports are due on the following dates:
- Monthly Reports: Due on the 5th day of the following month.
- Quarter 1: From July to September 30th, 2020 (Report is due on October 7, 2020)
- Quarter 2: From October 1st to December 31st, 2020 (Report is due on January 7, 2021)
- Quarter 3: From January 1st to February 24, 2021 (Report is due on March 3rd, 2021)
Q: Is the funding available only for activities that are performed in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley?
A: Funding is available for activities performed in all regions of British Columbia.
Q: Could funding be used to support all groups of migrant workers?
A: The primary target of this project are migrant workers who have entered Canada under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
Q: Are administration fees considered an eligible expenditure?
A: Under the terms and conditions of our funding program, we recommend that administration fees not exceed 10% of the overall project cost.
Q: Are wages for staff considered an eligible expenditure under the COVID-19 Request for Collaboration?
A: Wages are eligible as long as they are in direct relation to the activities undertaken. These funds are also available to support eligible activities. They can also be used to cover professional fees (i.e. translation, interpretation, counselling, etc.).
Q: Will our reports be shared directly with the Government of Canada?
A: Data from the reports will be shared with the Government of Canada through MOSAIC (the name of your organization will be identified) for both formal reporting processes as well as identifying the impact of project funding.
Q: What costs should be included in the administrative fees?
A: Administrative fees cover the costs associated with planning, budgeting, and maintaining the project. All costs associated with executing the project and activities should not be included in the administrative fees, but in the Services/Products budget. For example, the salary for providing learning sessions should be reflected in the Services/Products section. The Admin fee is 10% and staff salary it is not included.
Q: Can the purchase of equipment be funded through the Project Based Funding?
A: Please submit your proposal and this will be discussed on case by case to discuss the need of the program.
Created Material
Q: What are the differences between the 3 created material review processes?
A: AdHoc – Ad hoc resources are previously created documents (previously approved by ESDC with minor changes), documents collected from other resources and all other existing material for providing education, training, or awareness to temporary foreign workers, employers or community organizations.
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- For example: Factsheets from AMSSA, WorkSafeBC and/or Employment Standards Branch, Handouts from the Canadian Mental Health Association, etc
Communication – Communication/promotional resources are material produced for the purpose of sharing event/activity information, resource or service information, gathering information and promoting events as outlined in the MWSN funding agreements.
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- Examples: Newsletters, invitations, flyers, event posters, lists of resources/services, social medial posts and all other promotional materials etc.
Education – This was an eligible item under ESDC’s funding during last year fiscal year. Educational resources are material produced for providing education, training, or awareness to temporary foreign workers, employers or community organizations.
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- Example: PowerPoint presentations, Info or Factsheets, Informational brochures, etc.
Each process requires a review process and has a corresponding checklist that will guide organizations through the process. MOSAIC will share process checklists with all Stream 2 funding recipients.
Note: Developing educational material is not eligible in the current funding processes.
Q: Can organizations request funding for the creation of educational resources?
A: To ensure accuracy and consistency in the information disseminated to TFWs, employers or community organizations, the creation of new educational material will not be part of the current funding processes.
We encourage organizations to use existing material developed during the MWSN Pilot or by subject matter experts. Organizations can contact MOSAIC for support in locating developed material. Exceptions could be made on a case-by-case basis, should it be determined that critical information is unavailable Any request for material should be submitted to MOSAIC and will then be brought to the attention of ESDC who will explore options to make accurate information available.
Q: Do organizations require MOSAIC and ESDC approval to use material?
A: Yes, when organizations are anticipating using material for the promotion of an event (i.e. workshop, fair, brochure, etc.), they should seek the approval of MOSAIC and ESDC.
Q: What happens to communication/promotional materials (eg. flyers, brochures, etc.) after they are approved by MOSAIC and ESDC?
A: Once approved by ESDC, promotional materials are shared with collaborating agencies, community groups, as well as on MOSAIC’s Migrant Workers Program webpage and various social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, GCCollab, NewToBC, Get In The Know) and with CANN YVR Kiosk.
Q: If the review process for education materials were disrupted by COVID-19, can we submit them again for review now?
A: Yes, you can submit the educational material using the AdHoc process checklist document and mention that the document was previously sent to MOSAIC and that you would like to continue the review process.
Q: Does education material that has been approved by ESDC need to be submitted for review again when minor changes are made?
A: Yes, please submit for review any revisions to previously approved materials so that ESDC has a record of changes and can have a final look before it is shared.
Q: Do contact and resource lists need to be submitted for review?
A: Yes, if this is part of your funded project activity the Government of Canada’s logo and funding line lists should be submitted through the communication/promotional material process.
No, if you are using public government lists that you are customizing to your needs, but should be shared through the Ad Hoc process for ESDC’s recommendations and for the purpose of info sharing with other organizations for the benefits of TFWs.
Q: Do we need MOSAIC/ESDC approval before sharing government updates and resources?
A: No. Government updates and resources can be shared without approval, as it is public information.
Q: What details do organizations have to provide on the sources of information included in the process checklists?
A: The checklists should include the full name, position title, and organization for each expert used as a source of information. References and/or website links should be provided when documentation is used as a source of information.
Note: MOSAIC will share process checklists with all Stream 2 funding recipients.
Q: If I submit for review an event flyer together with the PowerPoint presentation that will be used at the event, will the two items be reviewed and approved at the same time? Can I request the flyer to be approved earlier in order to begin promotion?
A: The flyer cannot be approved unless the information on the PowerPoint presentation has been reviewed. It could be approved on case by case.
Q: If I am a collaborating agency, do I have to include MOSAIC’s logo on all materials submitted for review?
A: Yes, we recommend adding the Government of Canada logo with the funding line as well as MOSAIC’s logo.
Events for January 2021 › Migrant Workers Program
Calendar of Events
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The project is funded by the Government of Canada’s Migrant Worker Support Network BC Pilot led by Employment and Social Development Canada.