Expanding Access

International workers face unique challenges

The mental health and well-being of International Agricultural Workers (IAWs) in Ontario is increasingly recognized as an area requiring urgent attention.

In April 2022, the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers released a report that highlighted various psychosocial challenges faced by IAWs. Many of these challenges are related to their unique employment and legal status in Canada as well as their isolation from family, language and culture while working in Ontario.

IAWs contribute significantly to Ontario’s agricultural economy, particularly in regions like Haldimand-Norfolk and Windsor-Essex, where approximately 60 per cent of IAWs reside.

These workers face unique mental health challenges due to isolation, language barriers and demanding work conditions. Mental health services that address their specific needs and provide outreach in a culturally-appropriate manner are vital for ensuring their well-being.

What we do:

Culturally responsive support

The International Agricultural Worker Wellness Program supports the well-being of international agricultural workers through outreach, education and connection to services. Our work focuses on building awareness, strengthening community connections and helping workers and those who support them navigate available resources with confidence.

We do this through:

  • Outreach to international agricultural workers, employers and community partners to build awareness and connection.

  • Workshops that provide practical, culturally responsive education focussed on well-being and support.

  • Resource development to ensure clear, accessible information is available in relevant languages.

  • Service navigation to help individuals understand what services are available to them in their community and connect them with appropriate supports.

“Having this straightforward support and company for the mental health and emotional well-being of this hard-working essential group of the Canadian society and economy is a most welcomed and needed solution to many of the challenges they face.

The International Agricultural Workers’ Wellness Program doesn’t only provide personal and confidential assistance at the reach of a call, in the workers’ language, anytime, seven days a week.

It is also an innovative program designed to reach the workers wherever they are, and to listen to their concerns without intermediaries, making it an outstanding practice to be multiplied at the provincial level.”

— Cynthia Moreno, Consul of Protection of Mexico in Toronto
IAW Workshop Participants

Accessing support in the language that works for you

The Farmer Wellness Initiative provides free, confidential and unlimited counselling for people who work on farms and their families. The program offers support for stress, navigating difficult situations and other concerns related to well-being.

Support is available in English, French and Spanish. Interpretation is also available in other languages so that language is not a barrier to getting help.

To access support, individuals can call 1-866-267-6255.

The service is free, confidential and available across Ontario.

IAW events

Workshops that help international agricultural workers manage mental health challenges

The International Agricultural Worker Wellness Program aims to address the unique mental health and wellness challenges faced by international agricultural workers in Ontario.

The program will equip workers with the tools to manage stress, social isolation and other wellness concerns.

Culturally-responsive workshops and resources are offered to promote psychological safety and well-being, developed in collaboration with international ag workers, local CMHA branches in Windsor-Essex and Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk and mental health professionals.

Services are offered in English and Spanish upon request.

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Current workshops

Workshops are currently offered in Windsor-Essex and Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk.

IAW Workshop Participants

Understanding Loneliness & Building Community

This workshop explores the challenges of transitioning to a new country and culture, emphasizing the importance of building relationships and finding support. Participants learn practical ways to establish connections and strengthen their sense of belonging while working away from home.

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IAW Workshop Participants

Managing Stress

This workshop helps participants recognize how stress shows up and understand its impact on their well-being, especially in the farming environment. It provides practical strategies to manage stress effectively, helping workers stay resilient and focused during demanding times.

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IAW Workshop Participants

Team Work and Problem Solving

Through this workshop, participants learn clear and respectful ways to communicate, share ideas and reach fair agreements. It also provides practical tools to handle conflicts constructively, turning challenges into opportunities for co-operation and maintaining a positive, supportive work atmosphere.

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Book a workshop

This program is part of the suite of mental health programs at Agriculture Wellness Ontario which is managed by the Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Division. This program is delivered in partnership with CMHA Windsor Essex and CMHA Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk.

CMHA Brant Haldimand Norfolk

Contact CMHA Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk

Diana Granobles 
IAW Wellness Outreach Support Worker (Spanish/English)
Phone: 519-428-2380 ext. 205
WhatsApp: 519-420-8230
Email: diana@cmhabhn.ca

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CMHA Windsor-Essex County

Contact CMHA Windsor-Essex

WhatsApp/Phone: 519-982-6199
Email: mws@cmha-wecb.on.ca

Visit branch website