Improved housing conditions, safety, health provisions, and stronger contractual protection for Caribbean workers in Canada employed under the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Programme (SAWP) are being discussed at the 2026 Canada- Caribbean Annual Review Meeting (ARM).

The meeting is being held November 8 to 12 at Moon Palace Resort in Ocho Rios, St Ann.

During the opening and awards ceremony on Sunday, November 8, Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr said that discussions will examine proposals regarding employers’ housing obligations, cooling and temperature in workers’ accommodation, and health and safety insurance.

“The welfare of our workers must be evident in their experience throughout the full chain, from recruitment, preparation, employment, and even in their return home,” he said.

“A worker must understand the contract before leaving home. Agreed wages should be paid correctly and on time. Accommodation should meet appropriate standards,” Charles Jr added.

He further underscored that workers must also have access to health care and compensation where it applies and be able to seek help when there are issues.

“I want to encourage us to approach every matter as being important. Anything that touches and concerns the experience of a worker is going to be relevant to the experience of an employer,” he said.

Charles Jr also emphasised the significance of providing support for the emotional well-being of workers, many of whom spend long periods away from their families.

He stated that the ministry’s Family Service Unit helps workers to keep contact with relatives and addresses family-related welfare concerns.

Additionally, he said that employers and liaison officers also have a role to play in identifying and addressing challenges affecting workers.

The SAWP began in 1966 with 264 Jamaican workers travelling to Ontario, Canada, to be employed in agriculture.

On Sunday Charles Jr noted that the programme has given generations of Jamaicans opportunities to improve their living conditions, educate their children, and meet other financial obligations.

He stated that its continued success will depend on participating governments maintaining proper recruitment and deployment arrangements, employers meeting their contractual obligations, and workers honouring their responsibilities.

For his part, Canada’s High Commissioner to Jamaica Mark Berman outlined that his Government remains committed to working with participating Caribbean countries to improve the programme.

“Together we’ll continue strengthening worker protection, supporting programme integrity, improving service delivery, and responding to evolving labour market needs,” Berman assured.

He explained that the annual review is an opportunity for governments, employers, and programme administrators to address matters relating to worker protection, employer responsibilities, compliance, and service delivery.

The high commissioner further noted that Jamaica continues to be an important partner in the programme, with more than 8,000 Jamaican workers travelling to Canada last year.

Berman also highlighted the contribution of Jamaican workers to Canada’s agricultural sector over the past 60 years.

“Their skills, professionalism, and dedication have helped Canadian producers meet seasonal labour needs, have strengthened food security, and support communities across the country,” he pointed out.

The ARM brings together ministers and senior government officials from participating Caribbean countries, representatives of the Canadian Government, liaison services, employers organisations, and other stakeholders. The meeting is being used to review the programme’s operations, consider contractual amendments, and establish priorities for the upcoming agricultural season.