DESPITE freezing temperatures in Canada, the 96 farm workers who left Jamaica last Friday received a warm welcome at Pearson International Airport in Toronto.

The group, the first set of farm workers who arrived in Canada for the 2025 agricultural season, was met by Jamaican Liaison Service (JLS) Chief Liaison Officer Althea Riley and members of her team; Jamaica’s Consul General in Toronto Kurt Davis; and Claude Thompson of JN Money.

In welcoming the workers, Riley encouraged them to exercise professionalism in executing their duties and interacting with their peers.

“Also, please be mindful in maintaining the established standard of high performance for which we are known. The continued success of the programme rests heavily on your shoulders, as does your own welfare, so it is your responsibility to report to the Jamaica Liaison Service any issues or concerns that may arise. Rest assured that all matters will be swiftly and confidentially addressed,” she said.

Acknowledging the JN representative at the airport, Riley said the partnership established with JN Money has been providing farm workers ease of access when sending money back home to their families.

“Last season the JLS, powered by JN Money, embarked on a series of social events across all the provinces in Canada which was aimed at engaging farm workers and building more sustainable relationships with their liaison officers, employers and peers. These events were a success, and we are already planning future iterations of the series,” Riley said.

The cadre of 96 workers have benefited from several recent changes made to the programme, including improved services from the JLS with an increase in the frequency of visits and 24-hour access to liaison officers.

Further, upon arrival in Canada, all farm workers are to be greeted at the airport and a briefing session held with them before they are dispatched to their respective farms.