Migrant farm workers seeking help with their mental health can now access services through the Farmer Wellness Initiative.
On July 22, the province announced $538,000 from the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) to expand the program, which was launched in 2022. Of the funds, $178,000 is being used to help deliver services in Spanish.
"Mental health care is essential as it significantly improves the well-being of migrant workers. Therefore, it is necessary to recognize the types of issues that workers face, such as family separation and cultural changes,” Martin Varela, chair of the Migrant Worker Community Program, said in a news release.
“We are very grateful that the Governments of Canada and Ontario are expanding the Farmer Wellness Initiative to Ontario farm workers and supporting the delivery of services in Spanish.
“This initiative will help migrant workers feel understood and cared for, preparing them for their daily challenges. This service enriches the community, creating a more inclusive and compassionate society for all."
According to a 2021 study conducted by the University of Guelph, 76 per cent of farmers experience moderate or high stress.
The Farmer Wellness Initiative provides farmers, farm workers and their family members in Ontario with unlimited access to a free, 24/7 phone line that connects them to tailored mental health counselling.
That includes crisis counselling, risk assessments, and face-to-face, phone or video sessions with a counsellor.
Farmers, their families and farm workers can access services in English, French or Spanish by calling 1-866-267-6255.
According to the province, the Farmer Wellness Initiative has helped 617 farmers and their families since its inception.
Sustainable CAP is a five-year, $3.5-billion joint initiative of the federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector.
