Migrant agricultural workers’ deaths in Ontario from January 2020 to June 2021: a qualitative descriptive study

Abstract

Background Nine migrant agricultural workers died in Ontario, Canada, between January 2020 and June 2021. Methods To better understand the factors that contributed to the deaths of these migrant agricultural workers, we used a modified qualitative descriptive approach. A research team of clinical and academic experts reviewed coroner files of the nine deceased workers and undertook an accompanying media scan. A minimum of two reviewers read each file using a standardized data extraction tool. Results We identified four domains of risk, each of which encompassed various factors that likely exacerbated the risk of poor health outcomes: (1) recruitment and travel risks; (2) missed steps and substandard conditions of healthcare monitoring, quarantine, and isolation; (3) barriers to accessing healthcare; and (4) missing information and broader issues of concern. Conclusion Migrant agricultural workers have been disproportionately harmed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Greater attention to the unique needs of this population is required to avoid further preventable deaths.

Ambivalent Resonance: Advocacy for Secure Status for Migrant Farm Workers in Spain, Italy and Canada during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…In Ontario, the province that receives the largest number of migrant farmworkers, 12% of the migrant labour force tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, and three migrant farmworkers died in 2020. In 2021 and 2022, despite testing, vaccinations, and other precautionary measures, both infections and deaths continued (Caxaj, 2022). The spread of the COVID-19 virus among migrant farmworkers was attributed mainly to overcrowded housing conditions in employer-provided compound housing, as well as poor enforcement of health regulations (Mojtehedzadeh, 2020;Tasker, 2021).…”

Housing Conditions and Health Implications for Migrant Agricultural Workers in Canada: A Scoping Review

“…The COVID-19 pandemic amplified many of the housing-related risks facing migrant agricultural workers in Canada (Caxaj et al, 2022b;Vosko et al, 2022). In late 2020, the federal government launched consultations regarding migrant worker housing with various government actors, industry, and civil society organizations that support migrant workers.…”

“…Discussion and implications for policy, nursing practice, and public health Based on our scoping review, we recommend that the federal government establish national housing standards that significantly raise requirements for the quality of migrant workers' physical housing conditions (e.g., no bunk beds), along with more systemic changes to the design of the TFWP (Caxaj & Weiler, 2022;McLaughlin, 2013). Stronger mechanisms for proactive enforcement and complaint-reporting are needed to ensure such standards are followed.…”

“…Specifically, we analyze insights on the physical quality of workers' housing in relation to international frameworks on housing quality (City of Toronto, 2022; Department of Housing and Urban Development, 2004;United Nations, 2019). At a policy level, these findings can inform the long-awaited implementation of enforceable national housing standards for migrant agricultural workers in Canada (Caxaj & Weiler, 2022). As clinicians and leaders privy to the many ways that poor housing negatively impacts health outcomes (Pauly et al, 2009), nurses are uniquely equipped to advocate for improved housing standards for migrant agricultural workers.…”

“…Ultimately, the quality of housing that is typically available to migrant agricultural workers can significantly undermine their physical and mental health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, congregate housing conditions for migrant agricultural workers contributed to a heightened risk of poor health outcomes and preventable death (Caxaj et al, 2022a(Caxaj et al, , 2022bVosko et al, 2022). Given the far-reaching health consequences of housing and food security to health outcomes, nurses have a moral and professional obligation to advocate for dignified housing (Vold et al, 2019).…”