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Vacationing With Your Au Pair

March 15, 2024/0 Comments/in General/by Canadian AuPair Solutions

What are the expectations regarding taking your Au Pair on vacation with the family? Many families choose to take their Au Pair with them on vacations. Imagine a family vacation with an extra set of hands to help with the airport chaos or to assist at the beach and around the pool. Imagine a ski holiday where you and your spouse can actually ski together for part of the day while your Au Pair cares for the children. No researching of local babysitting services needed (nor paying exorbitant rates!) Family vacations also offer your Au pair an opportunity to see parts of Canada and the world that she might not otherwise see. Remember, your Au Pair is PART of your family during her year abroad and this means that she will most likely want to participate in vacations and trips with you too.

Make sure your Au Pair has a Working Holiday Visa! If your Au Pair is in Canada on a 6 month Visitor Visa you will be unable to travel with her if it requires re-entry into Canada. CBSA has a no-tolerance policy when it comes to Au Pairs without Work Visas and they will send your Au Pair back to her country of origin. This is a horrible consequence of hiring an Au Pair without a Working Holiday Visa (see our previous blog post about ensuring you are offering “above board” employment). No family wants to end their vacation with their Au Pair being rejected at the border.

Vacationing With or Without Your Au Pair

How do you manage the cost?

Adding an additional traveller to your vacation costs may or may not be manageable. This is a discussion you will have to have with your Au Pair when it comes to deciding whether she will stay or go. As usual, we cannot stress enough the importance of communication with your Au Pair. Talk with your Au Pair about your concerns and the options for both of you.

We took a past Au Pair with us to Hawaii. We gave our Au Pair the option of travelling with us or staying home as we would not be requiring her for childcare purposes while away. She chose to come with us and paid for her own flight while we footed the bill for food, lodging and entertainment with the family. We did not expect her to babysit or tend to the children while we were holidaying, however it was wonderful to have an extra set of hands around to assist with the children, especially at the airport. She was more than willing to chip in and help out, even though she was on vacation. In the end we had a wonderful trip with our Au Pair and were happy to have helped provide her with an experience she would not have had otherwise. We have also gone on many short weekend or 5 day getaways with other Au Pairs and it was always wonderful to share with each of them new locales, Canadian culture and beautiful scenery.

Vacationing Tips

If you choose to take your Au Pair with you here are a few suggestions to ensure things go smoothly:

1) If you expect your Au Pair to be “on-duty” during your vacation make sure your expectations are clear and you explain the hours and duties prior to embarking on the vacation. If your Au Pair is required to work during the vacation, she should be getting paid. Your Au Pair should also be entitled to some time for herself.

2) Remember that it is often hard for Au Pairs to know what their roles are when they are not alone with the children in their normal environment and usual schedule. When the host parents are present, children act differently and Au Pairs sometimes do not know when to jump in and help or stand back and let the parents take over. Have a discussion with your Au Pair about how you would like to share the responsibilities while on vacation.

3) Talk about sleeping arrangements. It should not be expected or assumed that she will have her own private room and bathroom in your vacation accommodation, especially if her childcare duties are scaled back while away with your family. Will she be sleeping on a pull-out couch or in the same room as the children?

4) If you are headed to amusement parks or attractions with your Au Pair, you should pay for your Au Pair. When your Au Pair has time to herself, she should take care of her own activity costs. You are not expected to buy souvenirs for your Au Pair.

5) Have fun! Vacations shouldn’t be stressful and having your Au Pair along should actually make things easier.

Staying Behind

If your Au Pair chooses to stay behind or you cannot afford to have her travel with you, this is a great opportunity for her to use her time off to travel and experience Canada or cross the border and visit our neighbor to the South. Depending on where your Au Pair is from, this may be a good time for her to travel home to visit family as well.

You should be leaving the Au Pair with groceries for the duration of time you will be gone and some extra cash to pick up perishable items. Address in your Au Pair’s contract how she will be compensated when the family goes away. Depending on how often this happens, will she be paid? Will she have use of your vehicle while you are gone? Are guests allowed over to the house? Ensure you have left strict instructions as to your expectations while you are gone. The last thing you want is for anything out of the ordinary to occur while you are hundreds or thousands of miles away.

Vacation Entitlement

Your Au Pair is entitled to vacation pay while in Canada. These rates vary from province to province but an approximation is 4% of her pay (check with your specific province). Many host families simply give their Au Pair two weeks off with pay at some point during the year, which is generous as the labour standards actually state that the vacation entitlement does not come until after the first 12 months of employment.

Timing Your Vacation

We do not suggest that you go away on vacation during the Au Pair’s first three months of arrival. It usually takes a few months for the family and their Au Pair to become completely comfortable with one another and settle into a good routine. Travel and disruption can sometimes negatively affect the process of bonding and getting to know one another.

Keep in mind that you do not want to abandoned your Au Pair during the Christmas holidays. I cannot think of anything worse that being thousands of miles from home over Christmas and then being left by the host family too. If this is unavoidable, make sure that you have this conversation with your Au Pair long in advance of her arrival.

Canadian Au Pair Solutions

Laws Regarding Au Pairs in Canada

March 15, 2024/in General/by Canadian AuPair Solutions

Today’s blog topic is a very serious one that I hope all Canadian Au Pair families will read and share with others. At Canadian Au Pair Solutions, we have heard countless stories of families who cut corners and employ Au Pairs who are in Canada on tourist/visitor visas. This is not only illegal, it places your Au Pair and your family in jeopardy for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, it is the responsibility of the host family to be fully informed regarding the visa requirements and applicable laws surrounding the employment of an Au Pair in Canada.

Why do Families Cut Corners?

Some explanations that we have heard as to why Canadian families cut corners and hire Au Pairs illegally include:

Families don’t fully understand the process regarding working holiday visas or that they are even required for Au Pairs to work legally in Canada
Au Pairs are not regulated as a form of childcare in Canada and some families feel they can ‘make their own rules’
Some families have received misinformation that they don’t need to worry about their Au Pair having the proper visa and that they can be paid ‘under the table’ or with ‘pocket money’
Some families are in a rush to establish childcare and in needing to save time are willing to cut corners and take risks
The common misconception that Au Pairs are considered to be on a ‘cultural exchange’ and that ‘pocket money’ doesn’t equate to paid employment

Au Pairs and Work in Canada

The term “work” is broadly defined to mean any activity for which wages are paid or commission is earned, or that is in direct competition with the activities of Canadian citizens or permanent residents in the Canadian labour market (e.g. childcare providers, nannies and live-in caregivers). Although a broad definition, it is capable of capturing a wide range of work and work-related activities and occupations including that of Au Pairs. Au Pairs are not considered exempt from this definition in Canada because of ‘cultural exchange’ as their primary function for payment is childcare. There’s no way around this in the eyes of Citizenship and Immigration Canada or the Canadian Revenue Agency.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada/Canada Border Services Agency

The CIC and CBSA are the primary bodies that enforce Immigration Laws in Canada. Part of the CBSA’s mandate is to enforce the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Enforcement of this Act is not something that CIC/CBSA takes lightly or overlooks. CBSA will not hesitate to deny entry to an Au Pair who has arrived in Canada without the proper working holiday visa. Lying to the CBSA regarding one’s entry/intent to work in Canada is a very serious offence. Counselling an Au Pair to lie or omit details about being an Au Pair is also a very serious offence. CBSA has no problem refusing entry to Canada if they believe that someone is not being truthful as to why they are coming into the country. If you think CBSA isn’t monitoring sites like Au Pair World, you’re mistaken. There have been many families who have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of their new Au Pair only to have them denied entry to Canada and sent away on the next flight home. Think seriously about the position this could potentially put your family in along with your Au Pair! Not only would your family be left in the terrible situation of not having childcare, your Au Pair would be denied entry to Canada (and refused re-entry for one year or more) and would be forced to pay their own way back home.

Think Au Pair families aren’t at any risk for hiring an Au Pair to work under the table? Wrong. Employers who illegally employ foreign nationals are liable to fines of up to $50,000 and terms of imprisonment of up to two years. If there is evidence of misrepresentation on the part of the employer, the penalties can be as high as $100,000 and five years. There has been a lot of negative press in recent months regarding foreign workers in Canada and the illegal use of Au Pairs is no different. Please see the articles at the end of this blog for further information.

The Canadian Revenue Agency

Without a valid working visa, an Au Pair is ineligible to get a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and is unable to work. Families therefore cannot claim their childcare expenses against their income at the end of the year. Tax breaks for families are a HUGE benefit and should be fully taken advantage of! By legally employing Au Pairs, families and Au Pairs themselves not only get peace of mind but some excellent tax benefits and returns at the end of the year. Au Pairs should be filing tax returns too – it benefits them in the form of a refund!

How Canadian Au Pair Solutions Can Help

Simply put, it’s just not worth it to cut corners when it comes to hiring an Au Pair in Canada. Au Pairs are such an excellent alternative for childcare and welcoming an Au Pair can be a mutually wonderful experience as long as it’s done correctly. We can help you with this! Canadian Au Pair Solutions is highly knowledgeable and up-to-date regarding all applicable visa requirements, restrictions, medical clearances, employment standards and laws surrounding the employment of Au Pairs in Canada. We can provide guidance and support through the process to help you and your family. You are responsible for ensuring that the Au Pair’s authorization to work corresponds to when they’ll be with your family and taking the necessary steps to ensure these requirements are met. Don’t leave it to an agency. Don’t try to make your way through the process unless you are fully comfortable with what you’re doing. Don’t leave it to your Au Pair. Let the professionals at Canadian Au Pair Solutions educate and guide you through the Au Pair process properly.

Some Additional Articles of Interest

Kriender Law: Penalties for Failing to Obtain a Work Permit

Alleged Au Pair Scheme Nets Charges Against BC Woman

Canadian Au Pair Solutions

Reaching out to your Au Pair’s immediate family

March 10, 2024/0 Comments/in General/by Canadian AuPair Solutions

Is it appropriate to reach out to your Au Pair’s immediate family?

What are the benefits of communicating with your prospective Au Pair’s family during the interview phase?

Given that Au Pairs seeking to come to Canada are adults, you technically shouldn’t need to speak with their family. However over the years we have come to see why communicating with the family is beneficial. Here’s why we think it makes sense to speak to Mom and Dad or their equivalent:

Who knows your future Au Pair better than her own family? By meeting the family you can confirm that she has their support in the overseas adventure she has planned and that they will not only provide her with emotional support, but also financial support if she happens to spend all her savings in the first month! It is essential that the Au Pair you choose is grounded and has family that will encourage her to make the most of her Working Holiday in Canada. Without that support, the homesickness and fear that sometimes settles in can compound and send your Au Pair packing. Ask the Au Pair to introduce you to her parents or siblings during one of your Skype interviews. Make sure to schedule your Skype interview for during a time when the parents are home. If the Au Pair does not live near her family and Skype is not possible, arrange to email the family and explain to the Au Pair why you want to meet them or correspond with them.
Confirming your Au Pair’s mental health is very important. Although your Au Pair has taken and passed a medical exam as a component of her Working Holiday Visa application, the medical exam does not dig into her mental wellness. Be sure to ask the family about the Au Pair’s mental health, how she handles stress and if she’s ever been on medication or been hospitalized due to mental health concerns. Because your Au Pair will be far from home and her support network, you want to be sure that she will be able to handle the transition. There is also the added concern about the cost of pharmaceuticals if your Au Pair requires a prescription. Canada only allows a person entering the country to have a maximum 3 month supply of prescription drugs and there are strict laws about importing prescription drugs. If your Au Pair is staying for a year and requires medication beyond her three-month supply, she will need to see a Canadian doctor and be given a prescription. This means also paying exorbitant prescription costs… something for both host family and Au Pair to consider depending on the contract agreed to (some families offer to pay medical/prescription costs). Mental wellness is a huge component of a successful host family/Au Pair experience and you need to be diligent in your checks and ensure that you are leaving no stone unturned.
Developing a relationship with the family will help down the road. As important as it is to have a strong foundation for a relationship with your Au Pair, it also pays off to have a good relationship with her family. You need to “on-board” the family and the Au Pair. Your Au Pair’s family will be nervous about her adventure and they will definitely feel some relief if you reach out to them and help them get to know your family. When in conversation with your Au Pair, ask lots of questions about her family. Employment history of parents, places they’ve lived, what the family does for fun… a snapshot of family life helps give you an idea of how your Au Pair was raised and her personality. This in turn enables you to have an easier and more comfortable conversation with the family. In the event that the family wants to visit your Au Pair in Canada, knowing a lot about them makes for a wonderful starting point when they arrive and officially meet you for the first time. You can guarantee your Au Pair is telling them everything about you!

Canadian Au Pair Solutions

Why Au Pairs Quit

February 20, 2024/0 Comments/in General/by Canadian AuPair Solutions

Why do Au Pairs Quit?

Today’s blog post discusses some of top reasons why Au Pairs quit and leave their host families. Here are some things to be conscious of and to avoid.

Lack of Communication

We’ve said it time and time again: one of the key factors in a successful Au Pair/Host Family arrangement is communication. There absolutely must be clear and open lines of communication in order for the relationship to work. Your Au Pair is not a mind-reader and you should not assume that she knows what you are thinking. Check in regularly and make sure everyone is on the same page.

Micromanaging

There’s nothing worse than a boss that hovers over your day-to-day activities. You trust your Au Pair to care for your children and although schedules and routines are encouraged, there needs to be a degree of autonomy for your Au Pair. Of course no one wants to lower their standards when it comes to caring for their children but don’t micromanage and don’t nitpick. Help your Au Pair be successful by providing them with the guidance, tools and framework but don’t over-manage them.

Job Creep & Abuse of Convenience

There’s a huge level of convenience when it comes to having live-in care. That being said, be very careful not to take advantage of this convenience. We advise all of our members to write a detailed contract for their Au Pair that is agreed upon in advance of their arrival. There shouldn’t be any ‘job creep‘ or significant changes to the contract once your Au Pair has arrived. Don’t think once they have arrived that its okay to add on additional responsibilities/tasks to their normal routine.

It’s completely understandable that sometimes you may be running behind at the end of the day but don’t let those extra 10-15 minutes become a habit. Everyone has a colleague, doctor or friend that’s always a few minutes behind and no one likes it, right? After a while resentment and frustration can build if your Au Pair feels that she is being taken advantage of.

Homesickness

Everyone gets homesick especially when they are away from their loved ones for an extended period of time. This is inevitable but its important to gauge in advance how your Au Pair will handle it. The interview phase is key when it comes to getting to know your Au Pair. Does your Au Pair have a romantic partner back at home? What kind of travel experience does your Au Pair have? Is this their first time away from home? How does their family feel about them becoming an Au Pair? Our memberships provide detailed interview templates and questionnaires that will help guide you through asking all of the right questions of your future Au Pair.

Your Home & Neighbourhood

Be honest with your Au Pair when it comes to your family and where you live. If you live 45 minutes by train from the downtown core, don’t advertise in your family profile that you’re 5 minutes from the city. Be honest and forthright with your Au Pairs. If they show up to a distant suburb expecting to be living in the city, you very well may lose them. That being said, not all Au Pairs want to live in an urban centre, either! There are plenty of Au Pairs that would be comfortable with ‘country life’ but you absolutely need to be honest up front regarding where they will be living.

Family Disfunction / Conflict

Who wants to live in a house with a family in conflict? If there are problems or disfunction in your family life or relationship with your spouse, think twice about getting an Au Pair. Don’t put your Au Pair in an uncomfortable situation by fighting with your spouse and certainly don’t use them as a sounding board. Au Pairs are there to care for your children – not to provide marital advice.

Lack of Inclusion

Au Pairs should be welcomed into your home like an extended member of the family. If you’re wanting your Au Pair to disappear when they are not caring for your children, you should think twice about hosting one. Some Au Pairs will develop a busy social life but they should be welcomed and invited to spend time with your family.

Harassment

It shouldn’t need to be said, but I’ll say it anyway: sexual, physical or any kind of inappropriate behaviour towards your Au Pair is NEVER acceptable. Ever.

Au Pairs Talk

Au Pairs quickly connect via social media groups and they talk to one another. If you’re not compensating your Au Pair appropriately or treating them poorly, you’re likely going to be looking for a new Au Pair pretty quickly. Au Pairs do not get ‘spending money’ or a weekly allowance – they are entitled to minimum wage pay as defined by employment standards/ regulations in each province. Erin & I are working hard to educate Au Pairs and Canadian families on proper (and legal) employment practices in Canada when it comes to Au Pairs. We’ve heard far too many stories of Au Pairs working full-time (+) hours and being paid far less than minimum wage and this needs to stop! Au Pairs are a wonderful alternative to traditional childcare in Canada but cannot be taken advantage of. If your family would like some guidance and direction on how to properly employ an Au Pair, please contact us.