New Changes Enhance Safety for Seasonal and Temporary Workers
The fall harvest season in Ontario highlights ongoing improvements in worker protections while marking the arrival of workers for apple picking.
Over the past few years, the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) and the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program's agricultural stream have seen significant enhancements in terms of worker rights and safety.
Bill George, Chair of the Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Growers’ Association (OFVGA) Labour Committee, emphasizes the positive shift away from outdated criticisms of these programs.
Recent updates include open work permits for vulnerable workers initiated in 2019, allowing them greater employment mobility within Canada.
This is a crucial step forward, enabling workers to change employers without the arduous process of reapplying for new work permits.
In 2024, changes to how injured workers are compensated through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board will take effect.
Moreover, federal regulations established in 2022 safeguard workers from retaliation when they report unsatisfactory working conditions. For immediate support, workers can now access a 24-hour federal government hotline, a new initiative launched in 2021.
The OFVGA’s “More than a Migrant Worker” initiative plays a pivotal role in empowering workers by providing them a platform to share their stories.
This initiative not only celebrates their contributions but also shines a light on the indispensable role these workers play in Canada's food supply chain.
Each year, Ontario’s horticulture sector employs about 20,000 legal international workers, reflecting the essential nature of their role in fruit and vegetable production.
The recent reforms are a testament to the collaborative efforts between farm employers, government bodies, and worker advocacy groups aimed at enhancing the work environment and ensuring the welfare of seasonal and temporary foreign workers in Ontario.
As Ontario continues to refine these programs, the focus remains on the well-being and safety of the workers, ensuring they have a positive and secure working experience in Canada.
These advancements mark a significant progression in labor rights, reflecting Ontario's commitment to upholding and improving the standards of its agricultural practices.