Since the beginning of this pandemic, we have seen politicians rising to the occasion and establishing creative and thoughtful measures to protect their citizens. It is your job to do so now in order to protect all lives of individuals residing in your constituency as well as mitigate overwhelming the health care system. The first step to create such measures is to establish a collaborative problem-solving process that consists of all members of the community, including domestic and international farm workers and related organizations.

To end, I have included some ideas that both the towns of Oliver and Osoyoos can implement prior to the cherry season that will assist in protecting farm workers’ health:

• Tourism will be impacted in both towns this year. The municipal governments can assist farm workers in obtaining affordable short-term housing during their season by contracting motels and hotels. This option will also allow domestic farm workers to self-quarantine if symptomatic.
• As already established in many communities to provide special accommodations for essential workers at grocery stores, the municipal governments can discuss with grocery stores alternative ways that farm workers can still get their groceries without having to come into close contact with community members. This could include a special hour for farm workers to buy groceries or a pick-up option.
• Educate the community by promoting “caremongering” toward all essential workers including domestic and international farm workers in order to mitigate discrimination and stigma.

What we are learning through this pandemic is that we are stronger together. It is important that we remember this and work together. Quebecois farm workers want to ensure the safety of its host community as well as their own.

As the current viral saying in Quebec goes, “Ca va bien aller!”

Alix Longland

Source of info and picture – CBC