Volunteer summer camp - Tips count as wages?

[VermiciousKnish]

If an international visitor is coming to Canada from a visa exempt country to volunteer in a special needs summer camp program, and they will likely receive tips from some parents for their work, would this count as wages? Would they require a work permit?

What about if they receive a salary that is less than minimum wage? I understand that Ontario summer camps are exempt from paying students (Canadian or Foreign Temporary Workers) Ontario’s minimum wage. I imagine these temporary workers would need work permits ?

 

[VermiciousKnish]

Any such visitor who receives any form of monetary benefits will be considered a worker and would require a work permit. Here's how IRCC defines work:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/temporary-residents/foreign-workers/what-is-work.html

It's not recommended to do such work but there is a high chance it would go unreported and no action taken.

Sounds like the volunteer work with tips only would be exempt from a work permit...

• volunteer work for which a person would not normally be remunerated, such as sitting on the board of a charity or religious institution; being a 'big brother' or 'big sister' to a child; being on the telephone line at a rape crisis centre (normally this activity would be part time and incidental to the main reason that a person is in Canada);

 

[Copingwithlife]

You have to read the entire section , this followed

Any activity which might be considered ‘competitive’ within the Canadian labour market, even if unpaid. For example, if the work might be a valuable work experience for a Canadian student (for example, an internship with a television station or with a high-profile NGO, even if unpaid). For cases which don’t conform to the guidelines allowing for confirmation exemption (above) ESDC is prepared to offer a labour market opinion.

So if a Canadian student was looking to do the above volunteer position to gain experience, a non resident regardless if they were from a visa exempt country or not would require authorization

 

[canuck78]

Basically if they don't have the right to work in Canada they won't be able to volunteer at the camp.

 

[canuck78]

Wouldn't suggest allowing any of them to volunteer. It could have implications on their ability to work or study in Canada in the future.

 

[VermiciousKnish]

After reading more on the subject, it looks like since 2017, any FN coming to volunteer or work in camp would be LMIA exempt but would require a valid work permit if they are receiving any form of remuneration (including tips).

Considering that this camp is a registered Canadian charitable organization, does it make sense that;
i) Staff getting paid below minimum wage would be exempt from employer compliance fee?
ii) Staff volunteering but receiving tips would be exempt from employer compliance fee?
iii) Staff volunteering but not receiving any form of remuneration may not have to apply for work permit?
iv) Staff getting paid would need work permit and camp would have to play employer compliance fee?

 

[Has_san]

After reading more on the subject, it looks like since 2017, any FN coming to volunteer or work in camp would be LMIA exempt but would require a valid work permit if they are receiving any form of remuneration (including tips).

Considering that this camp is a registered Canadian charitable organization, does it make sense that;
i) Staff getting paid below minimum wage would be exempt from employer compliance fee?
ii) Staff volunteering but receiving tips would be exempt from employer compliance fee?
iii) Staff volunteering but not receiving any form of remuneration may not have to apply for work permit?
iv) Staff getting paid would need work permit and camp would have to play employer compliance fee?

Why are you looking for visitors to work for this camp? Why not Students on Student Visa who are allowed to work part-time/ Work Permit holders/ Permanent Residence Holders/ Canadian Citizen?

Wouldn't be so much easier to advertise?

 

[VermiciousKnish]

Why are you looking for visitors to work for this camp? Why not Students on Student Visa who are allowed to work part-time/ Work Permit holders/ Permanent Residence Holders/ Canadian Citizen?

Wouldn't be so much easier to advertise?

It's a religious camp and so I'm not sure many of the students would be interested in working or volunteering, but yes, it would be easier.