The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) dates to the late 1960s and is referred to by many as the gold standard among Canada’s temporary foreign worker streams. A major reason for its continued success is the strong partnership between Canada and the participating countries who send workers to Canada.

This collaboration, which includes regular contact between farmers, employers and the consular offices of the partner countries, as well as joint annual reviews of how the program can be improved, ensures that the program remains effective and continues to provide value to workers, employers and countries involved.

Although most workers come from Jamaica and Mexico, several smaller Caribbean nations, including St. Lucia, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago, also play an important role in the program. Workers from these countries are represented by liaison services, which work closely with both the ministries of labour in their home countries and the Canadian government.

The main function of these liaison services is to secure farming jobs in Canada for citizens of these nations, while also serving as a resource for workers and helping with questions, concerns and issues that may arise while they are in Canada

While previous blog posts have explored the benefits of the program to Canada, the impact of the SAWP on these smaller nations is equally significant. At this year’s Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention, representatives from several of these countries, shared insights into how crucial the program is for them.

Notable achievements highlighted include reduced unemployment rates, significant financial gains for workers, and an increase in workers who have been able to start their own farm businesses upon returning home.

Take Ricardo, a seasonal agricultural worker from Trinidad and Tobago, for example. He recounts how working in Ontario has changed his life back home and admits that he’s become a hockey fan during his time spent in Ontario – even if he doesn’t always understand the rules!

One thing that’s agreed upon by all participating countries is the shared commitment to continuously evolve and improve the SAWP where possible. This has been particularly evident over the past five years, where we’ve seen collaborative efforts from all parties involved to address legitimate concerns and improve the program. Ontario farmers are taking big strides and investing a lot of money and effort into things like upgrading housing, going above and beyond the set government standards.

For the workers involved, the opportunity to participate in the SAWP is life-changing. It offers a chance to secure a better future for themselves and their families by letting them earn money they wouldn’t be able to in their home countries. Yet, the economic and social benefits for their home countries as a whole is sometimes overlooked. It is these impacts that liaison services take pride in, and are a key reason why they advocate so passionately for the program.