In Praise of those Who Reap Our Bountiful Harvests —and those who support them

Do you enjoy tomatoes, cucumbers, and wine?

The answer from me is, yes, I do, and probably is the same for you too. For this, I give thanks to the migrant workers from Mexico and the Caribbean who come faithfully to our country every year to do jobs that Canadians do not want to do. Working long hours in the hot greenhouses and out in the fields under the fierce sun for hours, and for much longer than is the normal working week here in Canada, and for far less money.

For the past two decades, the Government of Canada has been looking at the rules, or lack of them pertaining to working conditions for these migrant workers who spend months away from their families. The government is revisiting the situation again; let us hope that legislation for fair wages and conditions of employment will at last be put into place. It would also be wonderful if those who have been coming to Canada for years and would like to gain permanent residency, but cannot, because they only speak Spanish fluently because of a lack of opportunity to learn English. They have been spending more time in Canada than they do in their own country. Let us show them our hospitality and give migrant farmworkers a chance to become Canadian.

The Rev. Antonio Illas and Cela Tecamachaltzi de Illas lead the diocesan ministry supporting the migrant farmworkers in the Niagara region, working with St. John’s, Jordan and St. Alban’s Beamsville and many other church and community partners.

At St Alban’s, Beamsville workers can get support every Thursday late afternoon and early evening at The Hub in the basement of St. Alban’s. Here they can get food that they are used to, and groceries to cook at the places where they live. The typical foods that they are used to are more expensive in our stores. There is a clothing cupboard and free medical assistance from Spanish-speaking medics arranged through Quest Community Health Centre. If necessary, they can then be referred to specialists.

Recently, my husband and I were treated to a tour of the hub by The Rev. Dr. Dan Tatarnic, the priest-in-charge of St Alban’s. We had been invited to attend The Migrant’s Fiesta Celebrations which took place over three Sundays. I was able to practice my poquito Spanish.  Everyone was having fun connecting, and of course, breaking bread together. Isn’t that what we do best when we want to celebrate being together? What would a celebration be without music and a little dancing? I say little, because only 3% of the workers are women.

We were also impressed that there was a booth where the workers could educate themselves on their rights with regard to the use of pesticides. Afterwards, to finish off the evening Father Antonio celebrated the Eucharist. It was a lovely time spent together and made possible by the donations of time, talent, and treasure from so many organizations who have come together to support this important ministry, including our diocese. My heart is full!

Learn more about the Migrant Farmworkers Project at: migrantfarmworkers.ca.