Saint Lucia Reviews Canada Farm Labour Programme as Workers Flag Benefits, Challenges

Saint Lucia’s participation in the Canada Farm Labour Programme is coming under closer review, with Labour Minister Emma Hippolyte meeting directly with Saint Lucian workers and Canadian farm employers as government considers how the programme can be strengthened.

Hippolyte led a Department of Labour delegation to Canada for engagements on September 14 and 15, placing the experiences of workers including their working conditions, support systems and challenges at the centre of the assessment.

The visit comes as government examines whether the overseas employment programme is adequately serving Saint Lucians while meeting the needs of Canadian agricultural employers.

Rather than relying solely on administrative reports, the delegation met Saint Lucians currently working on Canadian farms to hear firsthand about the realities of participating in the programme. Discussions covered the opportunities and benefits available to workers as well as difficulties encountered while living and working overseas.

The delegation also visited participating farms and held discussions with Canadian employers about their experiences hiring Saint Lucians, the requirements associated with the programme and opportunities available within Canada’s agricultural sector.

Government says hearing from both sides is intended to provide a clearer picture of how the programme operates and identify areas where improvements may be necessary.

Hippolyte was accompanied by Permanent Secretary Sheila Imbert, Nadia Pierre-Louis of the Department of Labour’s Employment Unit and Allison Joseph. The engagements were conducted in collaboration with Eastern Caribbean Liaison Services, which coordinates the programme in Canada.

The Department of Labour says the feedback gathered from workers and employers will help inform government’s evaluation of overseas employment initiatives and its consideration of opportunities to strengthen the Canada Farm Labour Programme.

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