WE LIP Success Story | April 2024
On March 7th, 2024, The Windsor Essex Local Immigration Partnership and the TeaMWork Project organized the Temporary Foreign Worker Community Conversation Forum panel at the Links of Kent Golf Club & Event Centre in Chatham-Kent. The panel was moderated by Irek Kusmierczyk, MP Windsor-Tecumseh and the Parliamentary Secretary for the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages. The panel discussion provided a pivotal platform for reflection and strategizing on the engagement of Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) in Canada.
The conversation centered on the comprehensive support needed for Temporary Foreign Workers and showcased advancements achieved through the Migrant Worker Support Program, funded by Employment and Social Development Canada. While recognizing these advancements, the discussion also emphasized crucial areas requiring ongoing focus and proactive measures to enhance the experiences and rights of Temporary Foreign Workers.
The panelists brought a wealth of expertise and firsthand insights to the table:
- 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
Their insights illuminated the complexities of TFWs’ realities, from healthcare access to employment rights, enriching the discourse with nuanced perspectives and viewpoints.
A notable highlight of the event was the presentation of the Partner Appreciation Awards, recognizing key collaborators whose dedication and support propelled the project’s success.
- Truly Green Farms received the 2023 Employer Partner Award, honoring their commitment to facilitating access to services and fostering a supportive environment for their staff.
- The Windsor Essex Community Health Centre was bestowed with the 2023 Organizational Partner Award, commending their tireless efforts in delivering healthcare services to TFWs, including their barrier-free Sunday walk-in clinic and mobile outreach initiatives.
- Lambton Shores Family Dental was honored with the 2023 Community Partner Award for their unwavering dedication to providing accessible dental care to TFWs in Lambton County, exemplified through their provision of free visit vouchers.
The event concluded on a note of gratitude and renewed commitment to collaborative action, underscoring the collective resolve to champion the rights and well-being of Temporary Foreign Workers across the communities.
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