Ottawa prepares a new initiative to improve working conditions for migrant farm workers

A new initiative aimed at improving the working conditions of migrant farm workers in Canada is set to launch this month. The Fair Farmwork Toolkit, developed by researchers from the University of Windsor and Toronto Metropolitan University, introduces a certification program designed to complement existing labour standards enforcement. This voluntary program aims to reward farm operators who prioritize fair treatment of their employees, addressing issues of food security, quality standards, and labour exploitation. The initiative comes at a crucial time, as Ottawa prepares to grant migrant workers more flexibility in changing employers within the agricultural sector, highlighting the growing recognition of these workers’ vital role in Canada’s food supply chain.