Federal funding for migrant workers

The Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers association is expressing appreciation for recently announced federal funding meant to help international farm workers.

In a news release, the OGVG thanks the Government of Canada for directing $58.6 million towards support and protection of foreign workers in the agri-food sector.

"These measures will further help our members ensure the safety of workers on farm, as well as assisting in further improvements to living quarters needed due to COVID-19," said Joe Sbrocchi, OGVG general manager.

The migrant worker population in Kingsville and Leamington continues to have one of the highest infection rates for the novel coronavirus in the province.

Activists have pointed to cramped living conditions, lack of basic resources, poor outreach, and language barriers as factors that have allowed COVID-19 to spread in the agri-food sector.

George Gilvesy, chair of OGVG, said all of the association's greenhouse owners want to keep their employees safe and healthy — as well as continuing to grow food for all Canadians.

Source: Windsor  Star
Photo: DAN JANISSE / Windsor Star

Source: Windsor Star