Housing conditions 'inadequate and undignified' for migrant farm workers, researchers say

Researchers and experts from a handful of Canadian universities have developed a new guidance document to help migrant workers live healthier lives on farms.

The guidance document, called the National Housing Standards for Migrant Agricultural Workers, was released last week at the Balsillie School of International Affairs in Waterloo.

A group of 29 activists, experts and clinicians from across Canada, including some from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, helped develop the new guidance document.

Susana Caxaj, one of the lead authors of the guidance document, says they're hoping it will help set a new standard for farms employing migrant workers across Canada.

"The reality is that even when housing does meet current regulations, it is incredibly inadequate and undignified," she said.

"The document details every dimension of housing you might see from the most conventional to washrooms, water quality... exposures to pesticides and... with climate change, heating issues are particularly disproportionately affecting migrant agricultural workers."