OTTAWA-Foreign seasonal and temporary workers are crucial to the fresh fruit and vegetable sector and significant steps have been taken in recent years to improve their rights and better protect them, say the Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada (FVGC) and the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA).

Commenting on a recent report from the UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, the two organizations said they are committed to the fair and respectful treatment of seasonal and temporary farm workers and that significant strides have been made in enhancing worker protections and rights within the agricultural sector.However, agriculture faces a chronic and increasing labour and skills shortage, particularly in the fresh fruit and vegetable sector.

FVGC President Marcus Janzen said “Over the years, these programs have evolved significantly, incorporating feedback and addressing concerns raised by various stakeholders. Our priority is to ensure that all workers are treated with fairness and respect. Their critical role in securing Canada's food supply cannot be overstated.”

CPMA President Ron Lamaire said “Our priority is to ensure that all workers are treated with fairness and respect. Their critical role in securing Canada's food supply cannot be overstated. The well-being and safety of seasonal and temporary foreign workers remain our top priority. The entire supply chain is committed to our ongoing efforts with government and allied partners to ensure these programs meet the highest standards. The sustainability of Canada’s fresh produce sector, and by extension, our food security, depends on it.”

The most recent statistics from the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) said that more than 28,200 jobs went unfilled in the agriculture sector in 2023 resulting in $3.5 billion in lost revenue. Despite the sector's efforts, these unfilled positions persisted even as Canada brought in more than 66,000 temporary foreign workers to fill vacancies across a wide range of agricultural occupations. The fruit and vegetable sector remains highly dependent on the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP), with these programs accounting for a significant portion of the workforce.

These programs have seen significant reforms designed to enhance the rights and well-being of workers, reflecting the sector's ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and part of the positive progress has been made in recent years to strengthen worker protections and improve conditions., FVGC and CPMA said.

One of the most impactful reforms is the introduction in 2019 of open work permits for vulnerable workers that allows them to move freely between government-approved employers within the program, providing them with greater opportunities and reducing the need for reapplication. This policy works alongside existing provisions that permit workers to apply for new permits while still in Canada and, for SAWP workers to request transfers through their home country’s liaison offices.

Federal regulations introduced in 2022 have strengthened protections against reprisals for workers who report unsatisfactory conditions. A 24-hour multilingual government hotline established in 2021 offers direct support to workers, ensuring they have access to the assistance they need, FVGC and CPMA said.

Canadian agriculture and agri-food generated $150 billion of Canada's gross domestic product in 2023, accounting for approximately 7 per cent of the national GDP. This sector is crucial to the well-being of Canadians in both rural and urban areas.

This news item prepared for National Newswatch