COVID-19 Updates News Labour
Temporary foreign greenhouse worker dies in Ontario

A temporary foreign worker at Woodside Greenhouses in Kingsville, Ont. has died.

As CBC News reports, the 31-year-old worker from Mexico was self-isolating in a hotel room before being transferred to a local hospital on Saturday. He had no underlying health problems.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the deceased,” states Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG) in a release.

Representing greenhouse vegetable producers across Ontario, OGVG says they’ve worked closely with healthcare and public health partners to align guidance provided to their growers with current public health policies.

“Our members have taken careful steps to protect their workforce, using aggressive measures like social distancing across their operations wherever possible, increased sanitation and PPE use. They have also introduced operational changes, such as staggered shifts, amenity scheduling and extra on-farm services. Essential services are the only off-farm visitors permitted during this time,” states OGVG.

Inspections for worker welfare and safety are actively being delivered by Service Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, and both local health units and authorities, they add.

“We continue our diligent work with our growers to ensure they’re aware of the most aggressive measures they can take to protect their workers, their families and their communities,” said Joe Sbrocchi, General Manager, OGVG. “We’re also working closely with government health officials, who oversee and approve all on-farm protective measures designed to reduce the spread of COVID-19.”