Researchers from two universities will be studying migrant
farm workers this summer to identify gaps in services.
They have a $200,000 grant from the federal government.
Doctor Glynis George and her team will join a larger project
involving researchers from Western University investigating gaps in support
services. t for their work.
Dr. Glynis George of the University of Windsor heads a team
that will work with others from the University of Western Ontario in London.
They
will interview 200 migrant workers over the next three years in Windsor-Essex,
the Niagara Region, and Haldimand-Norfolk.
“The
pandemic shed light on various gaps in health, legal, and social services for
this group,” said George. “There is an urgent need for evidence to inform
effective service delivery and ensure government investments are translated
into better outcomes.”
The
federal government budgetted $58.6-million to increase inspections in living
quarters and workplaces on farms and greenhouse operations that rely on migrant
agricultural workers. Another $7.4-million went to agencies that support those
employees.
“Migrant
workers are entitled to certain benefits, and in many cases, they aren’t
getting them,” George said. “Because of the long hours they work and language
barriers, they often don’t get the support to which they are entitled.”
The
researchers hope to find examples of best practices that can be shared and form
public policy.
