Caribbean, Canadian officials discuss stronger protections for seasonal farmworkers

Improved housing conditions, workplace safety, healthcare access and stronger contractual protections for Caribbean farmworkers employed in Canada are among the issues being discussed at the 2026 Canada-Caribbean Annual Review Meeting in Jamaica.

The meeting, being held from November 8 to 12 at Moon Palace Resort in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, brings together government officials, employers and other stakeholders to review the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Programme (SAWP) and consider improvements ahead of the next agricultural season.

Speaking at the opening and awards ceremony on Sunday, November 8, Jamaica's Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr. said discussions would focus on employers' housing obligations, temperature control in workers' accommodations, health and safety insurance, and other measures to strengthen worker protections.

“The welfare of our workers must be evident in their experience throughout the full chain, from recruitment, preparation, employment and even in their return home,” Charles said.

“A worker must understand the contract before leaving home. Agreed wages should be paid correctly and on time. Accommodation should meet appropriate standards,” he added.

The minister emphasized that workers must also have access to healthcare and compensation where applicable, as well as mechanisms to seek assistance when problems arise.

“I want to encourage us to approach every matter as being important. Anything that touches and concerns the experience of a worker is going to be relevant to the experience of an employer,” he said.

Charles also highlighted the importance of supporting workers' emotional well-being, noting that many spend extended periods away from their families while employed on Canadian farms.

He said the ministry's Family Service Unit helps workers maintain contact with relatives and addresses family-related welfare concerns. Employers and liaison officers also have a responsibility to identify and respond to challenges affecting workers, he added.

The annual meeting comes as Jamaica marks 60 years of participation in the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Programme, which began in 1966 when 264 Jamaican workers traveled to Ontario to take up agricultural employment.

Since then, the program has provided generations of Jamaicans with opportunities to support their families, finance their children's education and improve their living conditions.

Charles said its continued success depends on participating governments maintaining effective recruitment and deployment arrangements, employers fulfilling their contractual obligations and workers meeting their responsibilities.

Canada's High Commissioner to Jamaica, Mark Berman, reaffirmed his government's commitment to working with Caribbean countries to strengthen the program and improve conditions for participating workers.

“Together we’ll continue strengthening worker protection, supporting programme integrity, improving service delivery and responding to evolving labour market needs,” Berman said.

He noted that the annual review provides an opportunity for governments, employers and program administrators to address concerns relating to worker protection, employer responsibilities, compliance and service delivery.

Berman also highlighted Jamaica's continued importance to Canada's agricultural sector, revealing that more than 8,000 Jamaican workers traveled to Canada under the program last year.

“Their skills, professionalism and dedication have helped Canadian producers meet seasonal labour needs, have strengthened food security and support communities across the country,” he said.

The Canada-Caribbean Annual Review Meeting includes ministers and senior government officials from participating Caribbean countries, Canadian government representatives, liaison services, employer organizations and other stakeholders.

Participants are expected to review the program's operations, consider proposed contractual amendments and establish priorities for the upcoming agricultural season.