Temporary Foreign Workers Community Conversation Forum Panel Discussion

Last Thursday, March 7th, 2024, the TeaMWork Project partnered with the WE LIP – Windsor Essex Local Immigration Partnership to host the Temporary Foreign Worker Community Conversation Forum panel at the Links of Kent Golf Club & Event Centre in Chatham-Kent. The panel discussion was moderated by Irek Kusmierczyk, MP Windsor-Tecumseh, and served as a chance to reflect on progress of Temporary Foreign Worker engagements and help prioritize next steps for future initiatives.

Discussion centered around supporting Temporary Foreign Workers in Canada, and highlighted some of the progress that has been made under the Migrant Worker Support Program, funded by Employment and Social Development Canada, but also outlined some key areas for continued focus moving forward. Thank you to all our panelists for their knowledge and valuable insight working in these communities, and willingness to share their experiences and challenges faced as well.

Panelists included:

Peter Sulman, Coordinator with the Chatham-Kent Local Immigration Partnership
Marion Fantetti, Business Ombudsman with Invest WindsorEssex
Robyn Hodge, MSW RSW, Coordinator of Social Work Services and Migrant Worker Project Coordinator with Legal Assistance of Windsor
Laura Strathdee, Director of Clinic Practice with the Windsor Essex Community Health Centre, Leamington
Andrea Steele, Project Manager with the Migrant Women Farm Worker Initiative (MWFWi), Active Care Response Team
Bel Jamieson, Health Promotion Team Lead with North Lambton Community Health Centre

A highlight of the event was the presentation of our Partner Appreciation Awards to key partners who drove the success of the project.

Thank you Truly Green Farms, the recipient of our 2023 Employer Partner Award for their support and willingness to open their doors and improve access to services for their staff.

Thank you Windsor Essex Community Health Centre, the recipient of our 2023 Organizational Partner Award, for their efforts in providing access to healthcare for Temporary Foreign Workers both through their barrier-free Sunday walk-in clinic and mobile clinic services bringing healthcare to underserved communities.

Thank you Lambton Shores Family Dental, the recipient of our 2023 Community Partner Award, for their dedication to providing accessible dental services to Temporary Foreign Workers in Lambton County, through their free visit vouchers.

Lastly, we’d like to thank all our TeaMWork Partners that were in attendance, sharing the impacts and results of the work in their communities, as we couldn’t have done it without you! It truly takes a TeaM! Thank you: