Migrant Farm Worker Health Forum 2016
Nearly 40,000 migrant farmworkers (MFWs) come to Canada each year to work in the agriculture industry, with approximately 24 000 arriving to Ontario. The health of these workers is strongly influenced by their experience of migration, their living and work environments, and their access to health care and health and safety support. These workers face many access barriers, including language, isolation, intimidation, and disconnect from available services. Many service providers have not yet connected to these communities; those who have are challenged with the task of ensuring services reflect unique needs.
The forum brought together a wealth of experience from across the province and beyond, showcasing practical insights on such topics as:
- Service planning and delivery
- Best practices in working with interpreters
- Cross cultural considerations for service provision
- Employer engagement
- Key Health issues and hazards
- WSIB & MFW – info for clinicians
- Innovative CHC work with MFWs.
- Health and worker housing
- Best practices in developing and running workshops with MFWs.
- Relevant legislation and policy resources,
- Advocacy
- + Among others
The event was very successful and identified by attendees as highly informative, useful and innovative. Below are some video resources of some of the sessions presented. For more information and resources from the forum contact: Eduardo Huesca
Below are the video sessions from this event
By Lynn Van Maanen fom the Ontario Pesticide Education Program (OPEP)
Health and Safety Hazards in Agriculture
By John Aird from the Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS)
Approaching the Challenge of Worker feedback and Data Collection for MFW Programs
By Eduardo Huesca from Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW)
Creating Supportive Spaces with MFWs in Simcoe
By Camille Roberts, Outreach Volunteer
Pesticide Safety in ON Legislation and Training
By Eduardo Huesca from Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW)
Mental Health Among Jamaican Farm Workers
By Stephanie Mayell, McMaster University
By Aaraon Diaz Mendiburo, postdoctoral fellowship International Migration Research Centre, Wilfrid University and speakers
from AIDS Committee of Windsor and Durham, and Asian Community AIDS Services (ACAS)
Occupational Health Issues in Agriculture
By Dr. Michael Pysklywec from Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW)
Best Practices in Using Interpreters Volunteers to Professionals
By Laura Comiskey