One of its kind, this event was shown to be a perfect opportunity for migrant workers to mingle and familiarize themselves with the services available in the region and gain a greater understanding of the local organizations in the community. We had over 400 participants who attended this event, including 20+ organizations.
The Migrant Workers Community Program’s (MWCP) Health and Information Fair for Migrant Workers has returned. Held on Sunday, April 30th at the Roma Club in Leamington. This health fair has been made possible with the partnership of 20+ organisations in Windsor-Essex, Sarnia-Lambton and Chatham-Kent counties.
“We are excited to organize our annual Health and Information Fair for the migrant workers. This is a great opportunity for the migrant workers to be aware of the services available to them in the community,” said Martin Varela, Chairman of Migrant Worker Community Program.
“This event wouldn’t be possible without the support of all the organizations offering their services. Migrant workers are an integral part of our community, we want to make sure they feel a sense of belonging during their stay in Canada.”
The purpose of this event is to help connect Migrant and Temporary Foreign Workers with all the community and organizational support available to them in the region, and to help ensure they have barrier-free access to healthcare and other support services.
Free services this year included blood pressure test, glucose screenings for diabetes, and COVID-19 vaccines along with connections to legal, income tax, and occupational health and safety supports.
Chair of the MWCP, Martin Varela, was onsite to welcome workers back to the in-person event, along with Consul of Mexico, Jose Rodrigo Báez and Richard Lee of Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers.
“Knowing where to go and who to turn to in our community is vital to keeping our guest workers healthy and safe,” said Hilda MacDonald, Mayor of Municipality of Leamington and Warden of Essex County.
“I applaud the leadership of the Migrant Workers Community Program and the work of our local organizations in connecting guest workers to the healthcare and support services they need to thrive in our community.”
In the past, this Health and Information Fair has attracted over 400 workers. It has been a vital part of welcoming workers to Essex County, and to help facilitate their introduction to the community and connecting them to available health and community support.
“We are so grateful to welcome the essential workers who contribute to the production of the highest quality food grown and processed right here in Ontario. As our government continues to work for workers, we are proud to have launched seven pilot locations to assist workers in receiving health card services,” Said Trevor Jones, Member of Provincial Parliament for Chatham–Kent–Leamington.
“Furthermore, we will continue to provide essential information on Ontario’s healthcare system and community resources, in a culturally sensitive manner and in multiple languages. We will always support migrant workers who continue to help grow Ontario.”
Migrant Worker Community Program Social Media: https://linktr.ee/mwcp