Stock photo used to protect client privacy
With limited job opportunities back home in Mexico, Mateo came to Canada as a temporary foreign worker driven by the need to provide for his family.
However, the transition to life and work in a foreign country was far from easy. Mateo encountered a range of challenges, from navigating unfamiliar labour laws and language barriers to experiencing physically demanding work.
Feeling uncertain and alone, Mateo struggled with a growing list of unanswered questions.
Did You Know?
The Legal Advocacy for Agricultural Workers program has been representing farmers on a variety of employment, social, and tenancy issues since 2001.
Finding Support
Things took a turn for the better when Mateo was referred to the Archway Legal Advocacy for Agricultural Workers Program through Watari, a counselling and support services organization in Vancouver.
Archway has been supporting farmworkers with information, referrals, and advocacy for improved regulations since 1978.
In 1994, the agency launched the Legal Advocacy for Agricultural Workers program to educate Canadian, immigrant, and temporary foreign workers about their rights and responsibilities, offering services in Punjabi, Spanish, English, Hindi, Mandarin, and Vietnamese to ensure accessibility and inclusivity.
“Many of the workers that we meet are unaware of their rights when they arrive,” said Claudia Stoehr, a Spanish-speaking legal advocate with the Legal Advocacy for Agriculture Workers program.
“Our goal is to ensure that clients have the knowledge and resources they need to protect themselves and feel supported while they are here.”
Farmworkers are provided with clear information and support on a wide range of topics, including employee benefits, employment insurance, pension plans, human rights, and employment standards—covering areas such as unpaid wages, holiday pay, overtime entitlements, and more.
“I feel respected and protected because I know I have support,” shared Mateo.
“The knowledge and information from Archway Community Services has allowed me to understand my labor rights in Canada and in the province of BC.”
“Our goal is to ensure that clients have the knowledge and resources they need to protect themselves and feel supported while they are here.”
Feeling Safe and Confident
Having access to trusted support provided in a language he could understand not only gave Mateo a better understanding of his rights and responsibilities, but a stronger sense of safety while working far from home.
“For many clients it’s like a weight is lifted off their shoulders when they can confide in someone who understands their language. They no longer feel isolated or alone. Watching them grow in confidence, learn their rights and responsibilities, and even begin advocating for others is the most rewarding part of our work.” shared Sarbjit Gill, Legal Advocacy for Agriculture Workers Supervisor.
When reflecting on what he wished others knew about foreign workers, Mateo expressed a deep appreciation for the opportunity he has been given to help support his family back home.
“We are workers with a legal immigration status who come to this country to work hard and contribute to Canada’s economy so that our families can have a better economic future.” he shared.
“We are workers with a legal immigration status who come to this country to work hard and contribute to Canada’s economy so that our families can have a better economic future.”