Temporary foreign workers are essential to Canada’s food supply. Many workers have been coming to Canada for decades, but have less rights, and poorer working conditions than other people. COVID-19 has created a greater focus on our food supply and how essential it is for all of us in Canada. 

We must do a better job at protecting the workers that help bring food to all of our tables. Farmworkers specifically have been raising red flags about inadequate housing, dangerous working conditions and poor pay for many years. Workers are often forced to share poor living facilities with dozens of other workers. COVID outbreaks have been common across Canada in food chain work places. As has been pointed out by advocates including Justice for Migrant Workers and the Agricultural Workers Alliance, farmworkers need immediate protections.