Timothy Clarke comes to Canada for seven months every year for ‘a chance at a better life’ for his young son

“We like to say it is a win-win,” said Riley, hired in 2005 as the first Jamaican female liaison officer.

Riley is aware there is some negativity out there, but emphasizes the value of ongoing evolution to offshore worker programs instead of “throwing out the baby with the bathwater.”

“Let us come together in a collaborative manner and improve it.”

More than 7,000 Jamaican citizens work annually in Canada through SAWP, Riley says.

Each individual has their unique story and motivation, however, a consistent theme is courageous men and women accepting personal sacrifice to better their own and their family’s lives.

The most difficult challenge Timothy Clarke faces in leaving Linstead, Jamaica, from April to November is separation from his son.

But the two-year-old is also the reason Timothy comes to Canada.

“I have something I work for and somebody I work for.”

Taking a break from harvesting asparagus or preparing apple trees for harvest, Clarke was deep-frying “JFC” (Jamaican-style fried chicken) for a multi-farm JLS event at Koteles Farms east of Tillsonburg. He works in construction or drives a taxi at home, but it’s difficult to find the consistent level of income earned here. Clarke accepts the longer hours agriculture may require, noting he can go to the beach when in Jamaica.

“As long as I’m getting them (hours), I will take them.”

Clarke’s earnings accelerated house construction and will go toward his son’s education, hopefully both at the public school level and beyond.

“A chance at a better life, something I didn’t get.”

This is Clarke’s fifth year coming to Canada. He was introduced to the program by community members who considered it an opportunity, as does he.

“There are plenty people back home that want it and can’t get it. It would be nice if more had the chance.”

Migrant worker programs boost both countries’ economies and provide essential dependable, skilled labour to Canadian farmers. Canada’s fresh fruit and vegetable industries and their economic spinoffs would be challenged to exist without them.

Working collaboratively with the Canadian government and industry stakeholders, liaison services are important partners in a delicate dance balancing mutual value, fairness, legal and moral obligation within the system.

Jamaican workers began coming to Canada through SAWP in 1966, says Riley, following a 1965 pilot project. It was considered foreign aid through employment answering a Canadian need for labour. Worker income provided a post-independence economic boost to the Caribbean nation and continues to do so today. A total of $3.1 billion U.S. in remittances from the Jamaican diaspora ranks as the second line item in the national economy, trailing only tourism, Riley said.

“The workers contribute immensely in that regard.”

JLS’s head office is located in North York, with satellite offices in Atlantic Canada, Kelowna, B.C., and Leamington. This January, offices were added in Simcoe and the Niagara Region.

“These are among new initiatives by our government to improve the services we offer to our workers here in Canada,” Riley said.

The Jamaican Liaison Service’s (JLS) focus on supporting its nation’s workers in Canada includes hosting multi-farm events featuring a Caribbean-themed buffet. JLS officers present at the event hosted at Koteles Farms east of Tillsonburg included, middle row far left, senior liaison officer Orville McIntosh, third from left, Janice Andrews-Christon, fifth from left, acting chief liaison officer Althea Riley, and far right, Sheldon Wright. Credit: Jeff Tribe The Hamilton Spectator

Liaison officers connect with workers coming and going at Canadian airports, ensure they are paid correctly, inspect accommodation to confirm it meets approved standards, and ensure workers’ rights are protected and they are treated fairly and equitably, Riley says. The mandate includes unannounced farm visits.

“And we try to foster a good relationship with the employers, the workers and the community they live in.”

That can include conflict resolution between workers, workers and employers or workers and their host community, Riley continued. There are different cultural sensibilities, she continued, with JLS assisting in that adjustment. Workers may also, for example, face racial or other discrimination in their host communities. If an incident arises, the JLS helps find a solution.

“We do that in conjunction with the employer and the community,” Riley said.

Quickly resolving conflict between workers and employers is one reason liaison officers are on call 24-7, Riley says. If the officer responsible for a designated area isn’t available, others from a different region fill in.

“We are like the HR for the worker, the HR, the mediator.”

JLS also responds to emergencies, like injuries on the job, or if a worker’s family member faces illness or other issues at home.

For example, if a hurricane damages Jamaican infrastructure so workers in Canada can’t connect with family, family services employees are sent out to make contact. Alternatively, Riley recalled one worker’s call after her daughter did not return home the previous evening. JLS contacted social services in Jamaica, initiating a search.

“We were successful in locating the child.”

One other initiative to improve service to workers includes a signed MOU (memorandum of understanding) between the Jamaican Ministry of Labour and Social Security and Jamaican national bank JN Money that has led to space-sharing. JN Money will have access to JLS offices in Leamington, British Columbia and Nova Scotia, while JLS will be able to conduct one-on-one meetings with workers in JN Money’s newly opened dedicated office in Simcoe. JN Money provides financial services to offshore workers including money transfer, bill payment and mobile phone top-up.

Additionally, JLS has been highlighting services and accessibility through social events, including at Koteles Farms.

Delicious aromas wafted from tables laden with Clarke’s “JFC,” curried goat, jerk chicken and beans and rice as Riley replaced DJ’d reggae music with a brief message. Holding her cellphone aloft, she emphasized 24-7 connectivity and services as well as how important the workers are as ambassadors for their country and migrant worker programs.

“You are the program,” she summed up.

There’s messaging Riley would also like to share with a Canadian public she is concerned may be influenced by negative rhetoric with the potential to damage employment opportunities.

“And the value of this program to the workers, to Jamaica and to the Canadian farmers.”

The JLS meets with Canadian government counterparts, other Caribbean liaison services and agricultural representatives after each season to analyze how the year went and identify improvements. The process is not limited to official channels review, however.

Riley is wary of agendas built on driving negative social media traffic, but open to constructive criticism about the program.

“We invite them to come to the table and bring their concerns to us. We are ready, willing and able to meet them at any time.”