Each year, thousands of Asian workers from Thailand, Philippines, and Vietnam came through the Temporary Foreign Workers Program (TFWP) to work in agriculture industry in Ontario. There are at least 700 Thai and Filipino workers working in poultry farms, mushroom farms, greenhouses that produce bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, cannabis, and carrots in Southwestern Ontario. Though there has been a constant influx of migrant farm workers from many countries to Ontario farm communities, the areas have limited capacity to support the needs of diverse groups of migrant workers. Culturally and linguistically appropriate sexual health education and support services are non-existent.
AMFW contact
Activities
ACAS provides outreach to Asian migrant farm workers across Southwestern Ontario, offering culturally appropriate health education, condoms, lube, and links to essential services. We train Peer Champions to support their fellow workers with HIV/STI information and connect with them online or in person throughout the season. We also work closely with OHCOW to strengthen farm visits and ensure workers receive accessible, effective support.
ACAS provides outreach to Asian migrant farm workers across Southwestern Ontario, offering culturally appropriate health education, condoms, lube, and links to essential services. We train Peer Champions to support their fellow workers with HIV/STI information and connect with them online or in person throughout the season. We also work closely with OHCOW to strengthen farm visits and ensure workers receive accessible, effective support.
Our Asian Migrant Farm Workers Health Fair was a vibrant and impactful event. Co-hosted with the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers Inc. (OHCOW)
The fair featured activities such as massages, acupuncture, clothing donations, treasure hunt, raffles and an information section, while addressing critical topics like farmer mental health, HIV self-testing, workplace safety, workers’ rights, and local health navigation. This event served as a vital bridge, fostering connections between organizations and workers while encouraging meaningful networking and collaboration.
Community Partners:
Positive Living Niagara
Latinos Positivos Toronto
Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers Inc.
College Boreal
Workforce Windsor-Essex
TeaMWork Project
The Neighbourhood Organization
