A food policy for Canada, but not just for Canadians: Reaping justice for migrant farm workers

Anelyse M Weiler

doi:10.15353/cfs-rcea.v5i3.312

Abstract

In this policy commentary, I highlight opportunities to advance equity and dignity for racialized migrant workers from less affluent countries who are hired through low-wage agricultural streams of Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Core features of the program such as 'tied' work permits, non-citizenship, and workers' deportability make it risky for migrant farm workers to exercise their rights. I discuss five federal policy interventions to strengthen justice for migrant farm workers in Canada: 1) permanent resident status; 2) equal access to social protections; 3) open work permits; 4) democratic business ownership; and 5) trade policy that respects community self-determination. To realize a food system that enables health, freedom and dignity for all members of our communities, a Food Policy for Canada cannot be for Canadians alone.

Highlights

The abundance of food in Canada has long hinged on the labour of people who are denied the bundle of rights that come with Canadian citizenship
To realize a food system that enables health, freedom, and dignity for all members of our communities, a Food Policy for Canada cannot be for Canadians alone
What does the future hold for migrant farm workers? Climate change will likely have a profound effect on agriculture both in Canada and in migrant farm workers’ countries of origin

Summary

Introduction

The abundance of food in Canada has long hinged on the labour of people who are denied the bundle of rights that come with Canadian citizenship Industries such as meatpacking, fast-food, and fish-processing hire migrant workers from poorer countries through Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program. To realize a food system that enables health, freedom, and dignity for all members of our communities, a Food Policy for Canada cannot be for Canadians alone This policy commentary focuses on one part of Canada’s low-wage migrant workforce: farm workers. For a migrant farm worker to maintain their immigration status in Canada, they must remain employed by the person who hired them (Binford, 2013) If they encounter poor employment conditions, switching farms is often tricky. Workers and advocates have called for permanent resident status on arrival for all migrant workers

Social Protections

Ownership

Trade Policy

Conclusion