A group of 29 scholars and clinicians has drafted a document outlining what they consider reasonable housing standards for temporary foreign workers.
They cited some horrible housing conditions for some temporary foreign workers who are bunked up to seven per room with filthy conditions, rats, windows that could not be opened and with no heating.
The National Housing Standards for Migrant Agricultural Workers document has five recommendations:
1. Appropriate housing and meaningful enforcement with regular inspections and well-constructed residential housing with windows, lights and insulation.
2. Privacy, security, access and freedom with reliable transportation, communication, access to services, greater freedom and timely medical care among other basic rights.
3. Dignified living conditions with sufficient furniture and appliances with living quarters that are private and comfortable.
4. Health and safety in housing with monitored exposure to pesticides, rodents and mould and access to air conditioning, clean water and clean bathrooms.
5. 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.
