Managing migrant farmers’ health and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic: The role of employers and government in Canada

Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic, Migrant farmworkers, Employers, Government, Canada
Abstract Type: Virtual Paper Abstract

Abstract

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged the socioeconomic landscapes of countries globally. In Canada, although the effects of the pandemic continue, migrant farmworkers (MFWs) have emerged as one of the most adversely impacted groups. This is despite their longstanding contribution to sustaining Canada’s agri-food production. Drawing on in-depth interviews with thirty MFWs from London Sarnia and Windsor, we examine the roles employers and the government played to ensure the health and well-being of MFWs during the pandemic. Our findings reveal multi-level structural failures and neglect that exploit farmworkers while simultaneously leaving them unprotected. Based on the findings, we suggest several policy options for their integration.