Food Security at Whose Expense? A Critique of the Canadian Temporary Farm Labour Migration Regime and Proposals for Change. (18th July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Weiler, Anelyse M.; McLaughlin, Janet; Cole, Donald C.
• Is Part Of: International migration. Volume 55:Number 4(2017)
• Page Start: 48
• Page End: 63
• Publication Date: 2017-07-18
• Subjects: Emigration and immigration -- Periodicals; 304.8
• DOI: 10.1111/imig.12342
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-7985

Abstract

Abstract: Temporary farm labour migration schemes in Canada have been justified on the premise that they bolster food security for Canadians by addressing agricultural labour shortages, while tempering food insecurity in the Global South via remittances. Such appeals hinge on an ideology defining migrants as racialized outsiders to Canada. Drawing on qualitative interviews and participant observation in Mexico, Jamaica and Canada, we critically analyse how Canada's Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program is tied to ideological claims about national food security and agrarianism, and how it purports to address migrant workers' own food insecurity. We argue remittances only partially, temporarily mitigate food insecurity and fail to strengthen migrant food sovereignty. Data from our clinical encounters with farm workers illustrate structural barriers to healthy food access and negative health consequences. We propose an agenda for further research, along with policies to advance food security and food sovereignty for both migrants and residents of Canada.