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. Held on Sunday, April 13 th 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.
Chair of the MWCP, Martin Varela, was on-site to welcome workers back to the in-person event, along, 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 thrilled to host our annual Health and Information Fair for migrant workers, a vital event that connects them with essential services and resources within the community. Regardless of language barriers, we ensure that every worker can access the support they need by providing interpretation and translation assistance,” said Martin Varela, Chairman, Migrant Worker Community Program.
“This event is made possible thanks to the collaboration of various organizations dedicated to serving and supporting migrant workers. As an integral part of our community, we want every worker to feel valued and welcome throughout their time 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 but it’s also important to have the right information about other aspects of living like legal support, income tax orientation, safety guidelines, etc. 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 & Information 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 and the Protection Department staff.”
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.
“The Health and Information Fair plays a vital role in ensuring migrant workers have access to the healthcare and support services they need. Their contributions are invaluable to our region, and we remain committed to supporting their well-being,” said Trevor Jones, MPP for Chatham-Kent-Leamington.
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.
“Leamington is proud to support the annual Migrant Workers Community Program’s Health and Information Fair, a vital event that connects hundreds of guest workers with essential healthcare and community services. Migrant workers play an invaluable role in our local economy and community, and ensuring their health, safety, and well-being remains a top priority,” said Hilda MacDonald, Mayor of the Municipality of Leamington, and Warden of Essex County.
“I sincerely thank all the organizations and businesses partnering to make this event possible, reflecting our community’s continued commitment to inclusivity and care.”
Quick Link:
Migrant Worker Community Program social media
Migrant Worker Community Program Phone:
519-992-1677
519-999-6277
About the Migrant Worker Community Program
We are a registered charitable organization based in Leamington, Ontario, dedicated to supporting migrant workers across Essex County. Each year, approximately 20,000 migrant workers come to the region to live and work, and our mission is to help strengthen the community by providing them with access to educational, social, cultural, and recreational opportunities.
In addition, we assist migrant workers in navigating available support services, such as healthcare and wellness, legal aid, and immigration and travel guidance, offered in Spanish, English, and Tagalog.
We strive to promote community integration by connecting migrant workers with local life and activities, helping them transition more smoothly and feel welcomed. For many, we are one of the first points of contact upon arrival.
Through various programs and outreach initiatives, we have supported approximately 5,000 migrant workers and over 200 farms in the past year, ensuring a culturally safe and responsive service.
To learn more about us, please see:
MWCP website
MWCP Facebook page
All socials
