New Ontario funding meant to help international agri-food workers feel more welcome

Engaged and supported that's how the provincialgovernment says it wants international workers to feel whilethey're labouring in Ontario's agricultural industries.

To encourage those feelings,the province has announced a new funding initiative that will provide $1.5 million across Ontario over the next four years in order to create a "more welcoming environment" for those workers.

Rob Flack, the province's minister of agriculture, food and agribusiness, visited Kingsville on Friday to make the announcement.

"Our government is grateful for the contributions (international workers) make to our province, and this initiative is a reflection of our commitment to enhance their well-being and quality of life when they are here in Ontario," Flack said.

"We know international agri-food workers face unique challenges and barriers when come to Canada to work. It's a strange land, for some. But we're here today to help ensure that there are solutions to those challenges."

According to Flack, the Welcoming Communities Initiative will support and enhance resources for workers such aslanguage help, cultural events, recreational activitiesand transportation services.

Flack praised internationalworkers as having a vital role in Ontario's agricultural industries which are important drivers for the province's entire economy.

An estimated 27,000 IAWworkers are expected to have arrived in Ontario this year alone.

Without such workers, "we'd be in big trouble in this province," Flack said.

Applications for the funding must be made between Oct. 8 and Nov. 19.

The funding isn't free of conditions. Applicants must engage in cost-sharing with the province.

The highest the province will contribute is 75 per cent of costs, and the maximum contribution per applicant is $100,000.

Nevertheless, Carolyn Warkentin, executive director of the South Essex Community Council a regional non-profit group said her organization is grateful for the funding.

"This will allow organizations like ours to offer even more language classes, more cultural and recreational activities, more translation services, and more transportation to ensure workers can access everything they need," Warkentin said.

One example of how theSouth Essex Community Council will put the funding to use is maintenance of its vehicles: The SECC has two shuttle buses and a minivan that are used to help migrant workers get around.

Warkentin said the vehicles are especially necessary during the cold winter months, when the workers need transportation to English lessons.

"By helping workers get to these classes, we're helping them stay connected, build new skillsand engage with their community."

Earlier this year, the advocacy group Justice for Migrant Workers penned an open letter to the federal and provincial government, calling for action on the occupational health and safety hazards faced by migrant workers.

"Ontario provides no industry-specific regulations for agricultural workers, exacerbating an already crisis-level situation," the letter stated.

Asked what progress has been made on that front, Flack replied: "Well, we're here today, so I think that's great progress."

Flack noted that "every international agri-food worker that comes in this province qualifies for OHIP, and that's an important tool that they can use to ensure their health and safety."

Migrant workers have protections under Ontario's Employment Standards Act like other workers, and the province has a separate labour law focused onprotecting foreign workers.