The federal and Ontario governments are allocating nearly $1.8 million over two years to enhance mental health support for international agricultural workers in Ontario, providing services in Spanish, Tagalog, French and English.
Delivered by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario Division, in partnership with its Windsor-Essex and Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk branches, the International Agricultural Worker Wellness Program aims to help workers manage stress, homesickness and isolation. The program will offer referrals to free local services, including recreational activities, primary care, counselling, support groups and in-person workshops.
“Working far from home can be tough, and it’s so important that our international agricultural workers have access to the mental health supports they need,” said Lawrence MacAulay, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “Through the IAW Wellness Program, we can better support these workers with tailored programs and services so they can continue to help us deliver top-quality products to Canadians, and the world.”
The program is set to launch in early 2025, focusing initially on the Windsor-Essex region before expanding to Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk in the second year. Both regions have high populations of international agricultural workers. In its second year, the program will also offer workshops to farm operators on creating safer workplaces.
“Ontario respects and appreciates the international agricultural workers who call our province home and who contribute so much to our almost $51-billion agri-food sector,” said Rob Flack, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “The IAW Wellness Program will help these important workers access the supports and services needed to improve their quality of life and better integrate into our dynamic agri-food workforce of over 871,000 men and women.”
This initiative builds on previous efforts such as the IAW Welcome Centre and the IAW Welcoming Communities Initiative, which support international workers in adjusting to life in Ontario.
“International agricultural workers are integral to Ontario’s agriculture industry and food supply, so it’s critical that this population has mental health support while they’re living and working in our province,” said Camille Quenneville, CEO of CMHA Ontario Division. “Since 2022, CMHA’s team at Agriculture Wellness Ontario has been working to reduce mental health stigma and meet the needs of the agricultural community. We’re delighted to work with our branches to offer this new program for international agricultural workers.”
Martin Varela, chairman of the Migrant Worker Community Program, emphasized the importance of accessible mental health care for migrant workers. “By offering services in their first languages, this initiative ensures that migrant workers feel understood and supported, which is vital for their mental health,” he said. “Such efforts are essential for building a society that values the well-being of every migrant worker.”
The funding comes from the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year (2023-2028), $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments aimed at strengthening the competitiveness, innovation and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector.
Quick Facts:
- In 2023, Ontario launched the Virtual Welcome Centre, providing resources for international agricultural workers in English, Spanish and French, including information on worker rights, health care and community integration.
- The IAW Welcoming Communities Initiative, announced in September, supports municipalities and non-profits in creating inclusive environments for international agricultural and food workers.
- The governments of Canada and Ontario recently announced a $178,000 expansion of the Farmer Wellness Initiative to include services in Spanish for Ontario farm workers.