Julia Deveau
July 30, 2024
As Ontario adapts to higher summer temperatures, migrant farmworkers are particularly vulnerable to heat waves. While here on temporary work permits, many are afraid to speak up for better working conditions, as their employer can easily replace them. Migrant farm workers have closed work permits–tying them to their employer. If they have poor working conditions or poor housing, they cannot change jobs.
Premier Ford expects employers to create their own standards for migrant workers, and is failing to mandate safe work conditions. We rely heavily on migrant workers to grow our food. Most of us live near farmland, migrant workers live and work near us.
All of us are struggling with the heat waves this summer. Luckily, many of us who work outside are allowed to take breaks and sit in the shade thanks to the labour laws that protect Ontario residents. The same protections and rights as Canadians and permanent residents who work in Ontario must be given to migrant farmworkers.