By Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Essex Free Press
Today, agrifood in Ontario – from the farm gate to consumer plate – employs 871,000 individuals, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Agribusiness, Rob Flack, said while announcing a new $1.5M Welcoming Community Initiative last Friday afternoon.
He visited the South Essex Community Council (SECC) facility in Kingsville to make the announcement.
Information from the Province noted the governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $1.5M over four-years, funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, to create a more welcoming environment for International Agrifood Workers (IAWs).
Around 27,000 individuals are expected to come to Ontario in 2024 to support primary agriculture through the federal Temporary Foreign Worker Program, and the Province knows IAWs face unique challenges and barriers when they come to the country to work.
For many IAWs, Canada is an unknown area, for instance.
“We are here today to help ensure there are solutions to those challenges,” Flack said.
The funding will support the development and expansion of new resources, such as translation support, transportation services, recreational activities, networking support, and the development of helpful resources, Flack explained.
Eligible not-for-profit organizations, like South Essex Community Council, and municipalities in the workforce of Windsor-Essex, may receive up to 75% in the cost-share funding up to $100,000 for each cost initiative.
Applications will open on October 8, and will Close on November 19.“Today’s investment will not only improve the quality of life of our agrifood workers, but it will also support the long-term growth of our agrifood sector by making Ontario the destination for International Agrifood Workers,” Flack said.
South Essex Community Council Executive Director, Carolyn Warkentin, called the announcement “truly impactful.
“Our team is honoured to serve the International Agrifood Workers, who do play such a vital part of our community.”
Through a multi-regional collaboration, SECC ensures IAWs receive the support they need, Warkentin said. That can include transportation, healthcare system navigation, language training, and social and recreational activities.
She was thrilled to hear of the funding announcement.
“This will allow SECC, and organizations like ours, to offer even more language classes, more cultural and recreational activities, more translation services, and, yes, more transportation, to ensure workers can access everything they need,” she said.
She called IAWs the backbone of the local economy, and commented it is essential they are offered the support they deserve.
“This new funding will help us enhance their social wellbeing and strengthen the bonds between these workers and the communities they help to sustain.” Richard Lee, Executive Director of the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers, also expressed the important role IAWs play in agriculture.
He noted there has been a commitment to develop and maintain community events, programming, and services to help IAWs adjust while they make sacrifices to support greenhouse farming in Ontario. He spoke of how, three-years ago, his organization established the Greenhouse Cup, which offered an opportunity for operations to form teams to participate in a tournament in Leamington.
“It is just another example of the integration between our farms, workers, [and] communities playing together to further establish a sense of belonging in an area where they have chosen to call their second home,” Lee said.
“With funding and support from our Provincial government, Ontario should be recognized as the choice destination for International Agrifood Workers.”
Flack added that this part of Ontario is a big part of that agri success story. He noted 1 in 9 jobs in Ontario make their living in the agrifood sector.
“We generate almost $51B a year in GDP,” Flack said, noting this is an important driver in the economy, so is the $26.2B that leaves Ontario every year in commodities, food, and processed food. 80% of which goes to the US.
That success would not be achievable without International Agrifood Workers, Flack added.
“Everything we do to ensure food safety, and that we have fresh food on our plates…ultimately has to be supported by IAWs,” Flack acknowledged. “Our government is grateful for the contributions they make to our Province, and this initiative is a reflection of our commitment to enhance their wellbeing and quality of life when they are here in Ontario.”
Essex MPP Anthony Leardi attended the announcement event, calling Flack a “powerhouse for agriculture in the Province of Ontario.”
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