Housing conditions 'inadequate and undignified' for migrant farm workers, researchers say
Group wants all levels of government to read their new housing guideline and take action
Researchers and experts from a handful of Canadian universities have developed a new guidance document to help migrant workers live healthier lives on farms.
The guidance document, called the National Housing Standards for Migrant Agricultural Workers, was released last week at the Balsillie School of International Affairs in Waterloo.
A group of 29 activists, experts and clinicians from across Canada, including some from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, helped develop the new guidance document.
It was inspired by decades of research showing how poor housing conditions led to preventable deaths in Ontario.
It was so dirty. The windows have never been open... and rats come to eat dinner with us.- Tyrell Mills, migrant worker
Susana Caxaj, one of the lead authors of the guidance document, says they're hoping it will help set a new standard for farms employing migrant workers across Canada.
"The reality is that even when housing does meet current regulations, it is incredibly inadequate and undignified," she said.
"The document details every dimension of housing you might see from the most conventional to washrooms, water quality... exposures to pesticides and... with climate change, heating issues are particularly disproportionately affecting migrant agricultural workers."
'I couldn't even sleep'
Tyrell Mills came to Canada from Jamaica in September 2023 as a migrant worker for a farm in Colborne Township, east of Toronto.
He says he endured unsanitary housing conditions while living there.
"Around seven of us had to share one restroom. There were bunk bends and they are very, very filthy," he said.
"To be frank, I couldn't even sleep. I have to sit up the whole night cause I was really upset. I was like 'What's this? I didn't came here for this.'... It was so dirty. The windows have never been opened... and rats come to eat dinner with us."
Mills worked at that Colborne farm alongside his uncle, Clifford McLiesh.
McLiesh first worked as a migrant worker in Ontario in 2002 and left two years later. He then came back in 2023 and he said his health has suffered.
"We don't have a heating system... I get infected with a fungus there from the bathroom. It was all over my skin. I was scratching and I went to the doctor to get tablets to get it off me," he said.
"[Raising housing standards] is really good because you [need] clean and proper housing. It eliminates the bacteria, the germs and it doesn't spread. One guy can infect the other guy until the entire farm gets infected."
5 recommendations
The National Housing Standards for Migrant Agricultural Workers document has five recommendations to improve housing conditions for migrant workers:
- Appropriate housing and meaningful enforcement with regular inspections and well-constructed residential housing with windows, lights and insulation.
- Privacy, security, access and freedom with reliable transportation, communication, access to services, greater freedom and timely medical care among other basic rights.
- Dignified living conditions with sufficient furniture and appliances with living quarters that are private and comfortable.
- Health and safety in housing with monitored exposure to pesticides, rodents and mould. Access to air conditioning, clean water and clean bathrooms.
- Ensuring all levels of government play a role when it comes to funding, coordination and training. Enforce liveable wage policies with union representation and the ability to self-advocate for adequate housing.
You can read the full report on the Migrants Intersecting Experiences with Housing in Agriculture website, where Caxaj is a principle investigator.
LISTEN| Laurier researchers help create working condition guidance for migrant farm workers:
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