Toronto – October 21, 2025 – UFCW Canada recently hosted a delegation of officials from the Government of Mexico at its national headquarters in Toronto, as well as at the Agriculture Workers Support Centre in Leamington and various agricultural workplaces in Ontario’s Niagara region. The multi-day visit focused on strengthening the rights and protections of Mexican migrant agricultural workers employed in Canada.

The visit marks an important step in advancing collaboration between the Mexican government and UFCW Canada, the leading voice for migrant and temporary foreign workers in the Canadian agriculture sector. Discussions centered on improving the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) and ensuring that worker voices are at the heart of future reforms.

“For decades, Mexican workers have been the backbone of Canada’s food system,” said UFCW Canada’s Pablo Godoy. “It’s vital that any dialogue about the SAWP and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program includes the workers themselves and the organizations that defend their rights. We welcome this visit as a meaningful opportunity to move toward a more equitable, transparent, and worker-led approach.”

During their tour, Mexican officials met with UFCW Canada leaders and staff who provide direct support to thousands of migrant workers across the country. At the Leamington Support Centre — located in the heart of Ontario’s greenhouse industry — officials learned about the day-to-day realities of migrant farm workers and the challenges they face, including housing conditions, access to healthcare, and barriers to exercising their labour rights.

The delegation also visited farms and worker accommodations in the Niagara region, where they spoke directly with Mexican agricultural workers about their experiences under both the SAWP and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. These conversations offered valuable insights into the successes and shortcomings of the programs from the workers’ own perspectives.

“Seeing firsthand the services and advocacy work done here gives us a clearer understanding of what our citizens experience abroad,” says Roselia Suarez Montes de Oca, Federal Congresswoman for Migrant Affairs, Mexico. “We look forward to deepening our collaboration with UFCW Canada to better protect workers and promote fair treatment for all.”

UFCW Canada (the United Food and Commercial Workers Union) represents more than 255,000 members across Canada working in every sector of the food industry from field to table. For 30 years, UFCW Canada has been the leading voice and advocate for domestic and migrant agricultural workers. To learn more about this important work, click here.