Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated November 20, 2011

1. How CDC Workforce screen potential applicants?
• Most of our applicants presently are referred to us by previous clients.
• They go thorough rigorous interviews before we accept them as our client.
• We ensure our applicants have the credentials, experience and clean Police and NBI clearance.
• That they are qualified according to Immigration and Citizenship regulation standards.
• Completed personality test to find out if they have a good work ethic to work for childcare, elderly care or caregiver for special need.
• As the employer, you will have the opportunity to interview your potential caregiver via Skype or phone to determine your own personal instinct or comfort level and vibe you get from the individual.

2. Are all of your Applicants Live-In?
Yes! We specialize in Live-In Caregivers, a requirement from the Canadian Live-In Caregiver Program.

3. What other duties can Live-In Caregivers perform?
They could also help you with light housekeeping and meal preparation.  Help you with your laundry, iron and press clothing.  Having a Nanny/Caregiver is wonderful.  With most of us with busy lifestyle an extra hand is absolutely what we need.

A great nanny is wonderful – not only for giving devoted care to infants, children and elders – but also for helping around the home. Depending on your arrangement, your nanny can feed and walk pets, prepare family meals, help with light housekeeping (like dishes, laundry, tidying playrooms or watering plants), be available to accept deliveries, help your kids get to and from school or playdates, and be available to mind the children at night so you and your spouse can have a much-deserved date night or night in the town.

Naturally, you will need to keep in mind that you must follow Canadian labour laws and pay your nanny for all hours worked (and pay an overtime rate if applicable). You also need to be respectful of your nanny's personal life and time – be sure to ask, with enough notice, if working irregular hours can be arranged.

4. Who are CDC Workforce?
All of our nannies/caregivers are experienced, reliable and professional, and educated who speak English fluently. The majority of our Nannies/Caregivers applicants are Filipinos who are currently working in Hong Kong, Denmark, Norway, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai where opportunities are hard to find in the Philippines. These educated nannies/caregivers with good work ethics are eager to come to Canada for a better future for themselves and their families – in the same vision that most of our own ancestors came to this country.

5. As a family can we have privacy when the Nanny is off duty, for example over a weekend? Is it ok to ask her to go elsewhere?

Privacy expectations. This should be clarified between the applicant and the employer from the beginning.  Legally, she has all the right to stay in her employer's house including the weekend.  That's why they pay room and board.  If they spend time at their friends house during weekends they usually pay additional weekend rent.  Some applicants won't mind that idea as this give them time to mingle with people with common background but not all of them are embracing this idea as this would mean additional expense for them.

6. When will our chosen nanny be able to start working for us?
The process would take anywhere from three to five months from the day we file your first application on your behalf. This is the time needed for visa and immigration papers to be processed by the Canadian government, as well as for health and criminal record checks to be completed. When we work with you, we can give you a more accurate estimate that reflects the latest information on processing times.
If you needed a nanny yesterday, call us right now! If we can help you with a local nanny (perhaps even a nanny from the LCP whose contract will be ending shortly), it may only take a matter of days, depending on your availability for interviews.

7. What requirements do I need to meet as an employer?
The LCP has specific requirements in order for you to hire a live-in nanny through the program. These qualifications are:
• You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Most foreign professionals in Canada on work visas also qualify.
• You must be employed full time.
• You must provide a private, furnished room within your home.
• You must provide full time hours.
• You must abide by Canadian labour laws and treat your nanny with dignity and respect.

A live-in caregiver is restricted from:
• Working for more than one family at a time.
• Working for a health agency, labour contractor, daycare or foster care.

8. Is the Live-In Caregiver Qualified for Statutory Holidays?
As a temporary foreign worker, they do have same rights as other Canadians.
Public holidays are days during the year when most workers, including live-in caregivers, can have the day off with pay or receive a premium, which could be overtime pay, if they work. In Canada, some common holidays are:
• New Year's Day (January 1)
• Good Friday (Easter)
• Victoria Day (late May)
• Canada Day (July 1)
• Labour Day (early September)
• Thanksgiving Day (mid-October)
• Christmas Day (December 25)

9. My employer is moving within the same city. Do I need a new work permit or LMO to work at the new house?
If your employer is moving within the same city or province, you do not require a new work permit or LMO . However, you should advise CIC of your new address of employment.

10. My employer is moving to another province or territory. Do I need a new work permit or LMO to work at the new house?
If your employer is moving to a new province or territory, your employer must obtain a new Labour Market Opinion from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada/Service Canada and you must obtain a new work permit before working in the new location.
You should apply for a new work permit well before you move to the new location with your employer.
If at all possible, you should discuss this with your potential Nannies or Caregivers.

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