Governments extend mental health support for farm workers

The Canadian and Ontario governments are looking to provide better mental health support for farm workers.

They are investing $538,00 through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) to expand the delivery of mental healthcare services to Ontario’s agricultural workers through its Farmer Wellness Initiative.

The Farmer Wellness Initiative, which is delivered by Agriculture Wellness Ontario, a suite of free programming managed by the Canadian Mental Health Association – Ontario division, provides farmers, farm workers, and their families in Ontario with unlimited access to a free, 24-7 hotline that connects them to tailored mental health counselling.

Earlier this year, the program was expanded to cater to the needs of Spanish-speaking agricultural workers working in the province, and about $178,000 of the total amount will be allocated to support the delivery of services in Spanish.

The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) forecasts that the agriculture sector will have about 100,000 unfilled job positions by the year 2030.

Crisis counselling, risk assessments, video sessions

The Farmer Wellness Initiative offers crisis counselling, risk assessments, and face-to-face, phone, or video sessions with a counsellor.

“As a farmer myself, I know that farmers and folks working on our farms often work long hours and face unique challenges that can make it difficult to prioritize their mental health,” said agriculture and agri-food minister Lawrence MacAulay. “Through this initiative under Sustainable CAP, mental health resources will be more accessible, providing these hard-working people the tools they need, when they need them most.”

The expansion of the services reflects the provincial government’s commitment to assist farmers, farm workers, and their families with their mental health concerns, says Rob Flack, Ontario’s minister of agriculture, food and agribusiness.

“By increasing access to mental health services for everyone involved in the business of farming, we are supporting those who work hard to grow our sector and provide food for people across Ontario and throughout the world,” Flack said.

A group promoting the cause of migrant workers in Canada is calling on the Ontario government to better protect migrant farm workers from the risk of heat stress.

Michael Tibollo, associate minister of mental health and addictions, said that farm workers and farmers face unique mental health challenges, associated with their work. Because of this, they deserve reliable and accessible services to support their well-being.

“The Farmer Wellness Initiative is one more way we are expanding access to care, ensuring farmers, farm workers, and their families can better connect to quality care that supports their unique needs, where and when they need it,” he said.

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