Migrant Workers Canada

advice and suggestions on the operation of the
program to HRSDC. Due to conflict of interest issues
confronting the sending country representatives, who
must consider employers’ needs in certain circumstances
and their home government’s interest in securing as
many work positions as possible, sending country agents
are hampered in their capacity to represent workers
in labour disputes. Farm workers cannot bargain
collectively in Ontario and Alberta and there is no
independent voice for the workers in the program.
HRSDC consults regularly on the CSAWP with the
Canadian Horticultural Council and commodity sector
advisory committees that give growers direct input
into policy development. Employers are also represented
through FARMS and FERME in the annual
meetings that review the operations and administration
of the program, including wages and other
aspects of the Employment Agreements. While
sending country officials may speak from a workers’
perspective at these meetings and may consult with
trade unions in some of the participating countries,
there is no independent labour representation at the
annual review discussions.
Issues concerning seasonal agricultural workers
also involve provincial ministries. While CSAWP is a
federal program, it is the provincial governments in
Canada that legislate human rights, employment
standards, and workplace health and safety laws, and
that define health standards for the inspection of
migrant workers’ accommodation — all matters that
affect the welfare of CSAWP workers. In Ontario, for
example, three ministries are involved in these concerns:
the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Health and
Long-Term Care, and the Ministry of Agriculture,
Food and Rural Affairs. The provincial government has
observer status at the annual CSAWP reviews.
MIGRANT WORKERS IN CANADA
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