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Supporting Ontario’s Migrant Workers Beyond the Field: A Spotlight on the Worker Support Services Program

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A guest blog from The Neighbourhood Organization

At TNO – The Neighbourhood Organization, we believe that supporting Ontario’s migrant workers begins with recognizing them as more than just a workforce — they are individuals, parents, learners, and community builders. That’s why we lead the Worker Support Services (WSS) program, a province-wide initiative funded by the Government of Canada to ensure temporary foreign workers (TFWs) can access the information, resources, and supports they need to thrive while working and living in Ontario.

Since its inception, the WSS program has supported over 46,000 migrant workers, delivering over 100,000 engagements through workshops, one-on-one supports, legal referrals, social events, and emergency housing. We deliver these services in partnership with a network of grassroots, legal, and health-based organizations across Ontario — from Niagara to Thunder Bay and everywhere in between.

Recently, we’ve focused our efforts on connecting with Spanish-speaking vegetable farmworkers in Durham Region and Northumberland County. Many of these workers face language barriers that limit their ability to fully access community resources or participate in day-to-day life outside the farm. Our outreach team began meeting with these workers directly — at churches, and informal community spaces — to introduce the services available in their area.

Case Study: Community, Language, and Belonging at Pingle’s Farm, Durham Region

One of the standout examples of this work took place at Pingle’s Farm in Durham Region — a beloved local market known for its fresh fruit, vegetables, and family-friendly events. Each year, Pingle’s welcomes a dozen migrant farmworkers from Mexico, who play a critical role in bringing fresh produce to the community.

In 2024, TNO and the WSS program extended an invitation to the Pingle’s team to join us at several community events, including a mid-summer BBQ in Whitby, where workers came together for food, music, and a well-deserved break — a joyful space where they felt truly welcomed and celebrated.

Even more impactful was their participation in a community-based English language class, specifically designed for migrant workers. In these evening conversation circles, we focused on real-world language skills — how to ask for help at the grocery store, speak to a bank teller, give directions, or ask questions in the workplace. The sessions were light-hearted, practical, and full of laughter, but they also empowered the workers with tools that built confidence and independence.

For many of the workers at Pingle’s, it was their first time attending such a program — and they left not just with new phrases, but with a renewed sense of belonging in the wider community. These are the kinds of opportunities the Worker Support Services program provides — meaningful, human-centered, and rooted in dignity.

In Northumberland County, our outreach sessions provided vital information on health care, legal rights, local food programs, and workers’ compensation — all delivered in Spanish. By bringing trusted, culturally competent support directly to farmworkers, we’re bridging the gap between essential community services and the people who help grow our food.

We’re proud to stand alongside Ontario’s farmers and the organizations behind More Than A Migrant Worker in sharing these stories — because every connection made and every right understood brings us one step closer to building a truly inclusive and respectful system for all.

To learn more about the Worker Support Services program or to connect with one of our partner agencies.

Niagara event showcases contributions from Jamaican farm workers

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The Jamaican Liaison Service is gearing up for an exciting summer with plans to enhance the overall experience of Jamaican farm workers employed in Ontario. To kick off these efforts, they’ve launched a series of events spanning all major farming regions in the province. Similar events are being planned across other provinces as well.

The first of these events took place in Niagara-on-the-Lake, starting with a lively ‘cook-up’ gathering that drew workers from the local area. The evening was a mix of music, games, and delicious cuisine, including jerk chicken and curried goat catered by a Jamaican restaurant. Attendees also had the chance to win exciting prizes, including a brand-new TV, through a raffle that added to the festive atmosphere.

Each participating country in the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program provide liaison officers in Canada to ensure the smooth functioning of the program for the mutual benefit of both the employers and workers.

“This initiative forms a crucial part of the new liaison service plan to enhance its service delivery to our workers and is integral to the comprehensive effort to overhaul and reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Jamaican workers while working in Canada,” said chief liaison officer, Althea Riley.

The event commenced with an opening ceremony hosted by a few of the Jamaican liaison officers, who welcomed over a couple hundred people, made up of workers and members of the Niagara farming community. Speakers expressed heartfelt appreciation for the invaluable contributions of Jamaican workers to Ontario’s fruit and vegetable industry, specifically in the Niagara area.

Jamaican liaison officer, James Golding, speaks to the crowd. Credit: Jamaican Liaison Service

Highlighting the evening were individual recognitions for long-serving workers from various farms across the Niagara region. Jamaican liaison officers personally acknowledged each worker, most of whom have dedicated over 29 years (with one even surpassing 40 years!) to farming in Ontario. The presence of farm employers added a special touch as they also joined in sharing their appreciation for the workers.

Riley was delighted with the event’s success and emphasized its importance in building mutual respect between workers and liaisons. According to Riley, such events underscore the essential role the liaison office plays in supporting the Jamaican workers coming to Ontario through the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program.

“The event on Saturday was strongly attended and received significant support from the workers’ employers and the NOTL community, who highly value and appreciate the substantial contribution of the SAWP workers to the community,” Riley continued. “The Liaison Service eagerly anticipates hosting several such events for our esteemed workers throughout the season.”

Following the formalities, the celebration continued with music and fun, marking just the beginning of a summer-long series of similar events across Ontario. From domino competitions to barbeques, these gatherings promise to celebrate and appreciate Jamaican workers throughout the province.

Stay connected to our social channels and blog page as we continue to highlight these awesome events and more from across the farming community!

 

Title photo credit: Jamaican Liaison Service

Do migrant farm workers have access to any support systems?

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With the help of many groups, organizations, and funding sources, there are an abundance of resources made available to migrant farm workers during their stay in Ontario. In this blog, we’ll take a look at a few of the great support systems in Ontario for the migrant farm workers who come to work in the farming industry each year.

Community health centres

In Ontario, community health centres (CHCs) play a crucial role in promoting and maintaining the well-being of individuals and communities by providing support for the emotional, physical, and social needs of those in their area. Examples include providing accessible primary health care, engaging in community outreach to promote healthy lifestyles, and having the resources to offer culturally responsive care.

For many years, CHCs with migrant farm workers in their community have made it a priority to ensure workers feel welcomed in the community and aren’t afraid to get the healthcare coverage they are entitled to under the contracts of the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) and Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program.

The Grand River CHC is one of several CHCs across the province that provides resources and services to migrant farm workers. They provide primary health care clinics on farms, at mobile clinics in town centres, or virtually. Grand River CHC also continues to explore ways to address health and wellbeing concerns through social work and health promotion interventions, while offering primary health care for issues such as muscular skeletal, hypertension, diabetes, skin, sexual health, or eye issues. Spanish speaking health professionals are made available at the clinics to ensure the workers are comfortable and there is no miscommunication.

Each year, the Grand River CHC, along with many of its partner agencies, holds a health fair for farm workers. This year, the fair is set to occur on June 29. For more details please visit their website.

Migrant Worker Support Program

In 2021, to further strengthen the support for migrant farm workers, the federal government introduced the Migrant Worker Support Program (MWSP) to fund community-based initiatives for workers. The purpose of the program, as outlined by the Employment and Social Development Canada, is to ensure the health, safety, and quality of life for workers while they are living and working in Canada.

TeaMWork Windsor-Essex is a project that falls under the MWSP and currently provides funding to 11 different organizations in the Windsor, Essex, and Lambton regions. This includes language services, legal-aid, mental health services, and many more! Visit their website to learn more about the events, opportunities, and success stories that have been made possible by this amazing initiative.

Regional groups

There are other regional support groups like Migrant Matters Flamborough, which, with the help of volunteers, offer weekly Sunday gatherings for workers in the area. Their efforts are highlighted by a huge BBQ celebration in August, which is a great social setting and usually an opportunity to grab a tasty meal. There are many similar groups in other parts of the province, too.

For more information about migrant farm workers, including wages, check-out some of our other blog posts at https://www.morethanamigrantworker.ca/blog/.