Recognizing Our Farm Workers and Their Employers in Canada

Press Release From The Ministry of Labour and Social Security: 

The Jamaican Liaison Service (JLS) in Canada is currently holding a series of social engagements to recognize farm workers and employers in all provinces with Jamaican workers. Planned engagements include a range of activities including fun days, domino tournaments, cook outs, barbecues and football competitions. Led by Liaison Officers from the JLS, so far events have been held in Niagara, British Columbia, Simcoe and Tillsonburg in Ontario, with over 600 workers and several employers in attendance.  

Attendees have shared positive feedback on the events during which several farmworkers were recognized for years of service and their invaluable contribution to the programme’s growth and expansion.

Sharing his sentiments on the engagement series, one employer described the move as ‘most refreshing’. He said “in years gone by, I regularly attended functions geared towards showing appreciation for employers. However, this is the first time I have seen events focusing on getting workers involved and demonstrating a sense of gratitude for them. This will be good for morale.”

Several farmworkers expressed the view that the move is a good one as it allows them to interact with fellow Jamaicans from nearby farms and create the opportunity to relax and chat with their liaison officer on a different level.  

According to a farmworker from a farm in Simcoe, he has seen positive changes in the Liaison Service with earlier and more regular visits from his officer.

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon Pearnel Charles Jr commended the liaison service for initiating this initiative. “Engagements of this kind allow farmworkers a forum in which they can connect with their liaison officers outside of formal meetings and more relaxed spaces which we hope will enable them to foster better relationships. “  

Minister Charles Jr also commended the Acting Chief Liaison Officer for the Jamaica Services, Mrs. Althea Riley, who conceptualized the engagement series. Mrs. Riley expressed her thanks to the Minister and added that “We are all Jamaicans and are all ambassadors for our country whether we are farm workers or liaison officer, we represent our country proudly at whatever level we operate” she said.

According to Mrs. Riley, further plans are underway to improve service delivery to the Stakeholders of the Jamaica Liaison Services at the forefront of these plans is the improved visits to farms and better communication. The latest event in the series was held in the providence of British Columbia yesterday.  

 

The JLS continues its work to identify additional possibilities for partnerships to boost relations with stakeholders and facilitate the longevity of the Overseas Employment Programme.  

Mrs Althea Riley (centre) is flanked by farmworkers who were recognized for years of service. 

Farmworkers look on as their colleagues are awarded for long service.

Boothe set up by JN Money for farmworkers on location at the recently head engagement event. 

                   

An Employer and a Farmworker exchange pleasantries after he receives his award. Looking on is Chief Liasion Officer, Mrs Althea Riley.