Mexico City, Mex. – December 17, 2024 – December 18 marks International Migrants Day, a day to recognize the contributions of migrants; in Canada, migrant workers are crucial to our economy and our food security.

The estimated number of international migrants has increased over the past five decades. Conflicts, climate-related disasters and economic pressures continue to drive millions of people from their homes in search of safety or simply opportunity.

Migrants play critical roles in labour markets, filling skills gaps, driving innovation and entrepreneurship, and addressing demographic challenges in aging societies. The evidence is overwhelming that when migration is managed safely and strategically, it can be a powerful force for good.

UFCW Canada continues to be a fierce advocate for migrant workers in Canada: in recent weeks, we have signed partnership agreements with governments in Mexico, committing to collaborate, educate and support Mexican migrant workers in Canada.

Following the most recent Mexican election, UFCW officials met with the five Federal deputies in charge of immigration, to sign a new cooperation agreement to work on both sides of the border to further support workers in Canada. This agreement focuses on capacity building, education, and training for workers while they are in Mexico and when they come to Canada.

In addition, UFCW Canada has signed an agreement of cooperation with the Federal Agency, CONOCER, which is a tripartite certifying body, with representation from the Ministers of Public Education, Labour, and the Economy. This agreement commits to access to education and certification for migrant workers, in a collaboration between UFCW’s webCampus platform and CONOCER’s online learning platforms. In addition, UFCW Canada will hold in-person workshops in Mexican states who send the highest proportion of agricultural workers to Canada.

Both of these agreements are a commitment to education, training and support for Mexican migrant agricultural workers, to ensure that workers know their rights, and have fundamental supports before, during, and after their time working in Canada.

UFCW Canada has worked for many years forging relationships with the Mexican government and labour groups, advocating for Mexican migrant workers in Canada. In the past year, UFCW Canada has participated in the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program review between Mexico and Canada, signed a collaborative agreement with Mexico’s largest labour organization to better protect the rights of Mexican migrant workers, and more.