This information is available in Spanish.
Our Foreign Agricultural Worker Strategy is focused on helping to keep people in the federal Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) safe on the job, and able to access the services and treatment they need to recover and return to work in Ontario. If they have to return to their home country, our strategy ensures they are treated fairly.
The strategy has three pillars:
1. Prevention and compliance
We will support the SAWP program, including both participants and employers, by providing services to enhance health and safety knowledge, prevent injuries and illnesses, and get people back to work sooner.
2. Communication and engagement
We will lead improved collaboration and information sharing between industry stakeholders, liaison offices/consulates, various government departments and labour advocates to better support SAWP participants who become injured/ill on the job.
3. Case management
We will enhance the claims process for SAWP participants to focus on recovery and return to work outcomes and recognize the realities of the local labour markets after they return home. This means available jobs in the person’s local labour market rather than in Ontario will be considered if a SAWP participant is injured at work and is unable to return to work on the farm.
FAQS
What progress have you made on the strategy?
Accomplishments include:
- revising operational policy 12-04-08, Foreign Agricultural Workers to support the WSIB’s new interpretation of suitable and available work for SAWP participants. The revised policy is effective on May 1, 2025.
- reviewing all past claims back to 2007 that received decisions based on suitable occupations in Ontario
- collaborating with key foreign government representatives to better understand and document their labour markets
- holding education sessions with employers to gain understanding and improve outcomes
- sharing the WSIB’s efforts and experience with other Canadian worker compensation boards
- translating key forms to Spanish to improve outreach to vulnerable foreign agricultural workers
- updating information on our website including how to access services in multiple languages
Strategy work is ongoing and updates will be provided, as available.
How do I know if my past claim was reviewed?
All past claims have been reviewed and affected people have been contacted.
If you have questions about a claim, please contact us at 1-800-387-0750.
Who should I call if I have questions?
If someone has questions about their claim, they should contact us at 1-800-387-0750. Interpretation services are available. This Spanish-language video explains how to access an interpreter.