Investing to Recruit and Retain International Agri-Food Workers in Leamington

September 5, 2025

August 21st, 2025

Leamington – The governments of Ontario and Canada are providing up to $79,915.50 to the Migrant Worker Community Program in Leamington through the IAW Welcoming Communities Initiative, which provides cost-shared funding to organizations to create more welcoming environments for international agri-food workers employed in Ontario’s more than $51 billion agriculture and food industry. The Migrant Workers Program will be using the funding to support Migrant Workers Welcome and Inclusion.

The local organization benefitting from this funding is:

  • Migrant Worker Community Program in Leamington will receive up to $79,915.50 in funding towards the Migrant Worker Welcome and Inclusion Program.

“Ontario is a trusted, global leader in producing safe, high-quality food because of the hard work of everyone in our agri-food sector, including the international workers who travel great distances to support our farms and food processors,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “It’s a privilege to welcome these workers to Ontario, and we’re making sure they feel safe, supported and appreciated while they’re here. These initiatives will improve access to services, strengthen community connections and help build more inclusive, welcoming communities where workers can thrive both on and off the job.”

The IAW Welcoming Communities Initiative intake opened in October 2024 and closed in November 2024. Eleven successful applicants will receive cost-shared funding to implement projects focused on:

  • Recruiting and retaining IAWs
  • Improving access to financial and health care services
  • Enhancing community integration

“Ontario’s agri-food sector thrives because of the collaboration and dedication of so many people who make it strong,” said Martin Varela, Chairman of the Migrant Worker Community Program. “This support will allow us to expand services that ensure workers feel welcomed, valued, and connected to the communities they help sustain. By investing in these initiatives, we’re not only supporting workers, but also strengthening the future of our farms, food processors, and local economies.”

The Sustainable CAP is a five-year (2023-2028), $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5 billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs designed and delivered by the provinces and territories.

Media Contact

Nammar Cristofari

Executive Assistant

MPP Trevor Jones, Chatham-Kent-Leamington

Nammar.cristofari@pc.ola.org