Connecting Migrant Workers with services and supports in the community
The Migrant Workers Community Program’s (MWCP) Health and Information Fair for Migrant Workers has returned. It was held on Sunday, April 14th at the Roma Club in Leamington. This health fair has been made possible with the partnership of 20+ organisations and businesses 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 and no matter the language barrier they can have access to any services that they need,” said Martin Varela, Chairman, Migrant Worker Community Program.
“We can provide help with interpretation and translation support. 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, and we want to ensure that 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.
“Health access continues to be one of the most urgent needs for the migrant community. Language and cultural barriers are still mayor obstacles to seek medical attention; prevention is equally important,” said Consul of Mexico Jose Rodrigo Báez.
“The great value of this annual Health Fair resides on its comprehensive approach facilitating access, tackling barriers, and prioritizing prevention and inclusion. The Consulate of Mexico is pleased to participate through its Health Window. ”
Free services this year include mental health support, blood pressure test, glucose screenings for diabetes, vaccines, dental screenings and so much more; along with connections to legal, income tax, and occupational health and safety supports.
Chair of the MWCP, Martin Varela, was on-site to welcome workers back to the in-person event, along with Mayor of the Municipality of Leamington, Hilda MacDonald, Consul of Mexico, Jose Rodrigo Báez, MPP Chatham-Kent-Leamington, Trevor Jones, Member of Parliament for Chatham-Kent—Leamington, Dave Epp and Richard Lee, Executive Director of Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers.
“We are happy to once again welcome the Health and Information Fair to Leamington. This annual event underscores our community’s commitment to supporting the health and well-being of the guest and temporary foreign workers who contribute so significantly to our region,” said Hilda MacDonald, Mayor of the Municipality of Leamington, and Warden of Essex County.
“Through the collective efforts of the Migrant Worker Community Program and over 20 organizations and businesses, guest workers have easy access to the support they need, making their stay in Essex County as welcoming and beneficial as possible. ”
In the past, this Health and Information Fair has attracted over 500 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. The Migrant Worker Community Program is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Migrant Workers Support Program.
“We are happy to collaborate with the Migrant Worker Community Program and other community partners to support the Health and Information Fair that aims to provide workers with the necessary healthcare and services they deserve,” said Richard Lee, Executive Director, Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG).
“On behalf of the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers, we are appreciative of all the workers that join us each season to help support greenhouse farming in Ontario
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Migrant Worker Community Program