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International Agricultural Housing

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Employers of International Agricultural Workers

Worker Accommodations

International agricultural workers (IAWs), also known as migrant farm workers or temporary foreign workers, are considered essential workers that come to Ontario to work in the agricultural and related sectors. In Ontario, housing accommodations for IAWs must be inspected by Public Health before workers arrive. Employers must ensure the housing is safe and meets the health and safety standards.

Housing for IAWs may have an elevated risk to such health hazards as unsafe water, food safety issues, and crowded living conditions. In addition, housing that is not used year round may be susceptible to pest infestation, and infection prevention and control challenges.

 Owners/operators are advised to consult the Ontario Housing Guidelines prior to requesting an inspection:

  • Ontario Housing Guidelines
  • All IAW housing accommodations must comply with all local building, fire and zoning requirements. It is strongly recommended that owners/operators providing housing to IAWs consult with their local municipality, including the building department and fire department, in advance to ensure permits can be obtained and requirements met before requesting an inspection from the Public Health.

PROVIDING HOUSING FOR THE FIRST TIME (OR IN NEW ACCOMODATIONS):

Every owner/operator who intends to provide housing for IAWs for the first time or in a new accommodation is advised to reach out to Public Health as early as possible in the planning process. After consulting with Public Health and local municipal departments, and once accommodations are ready for inspection, owners/operators are advised to notify Public Health no later than six weeks prior to the preferred inspection date.

To notify public health about new or planned accommodations, please complete and submit the Notice of Intent to Operate Housing for International Agricultural Workers Form.

For Existing Housing accommodations, owners/operators are advised to contact Public Health a minimum of four weeks prior to the preferred inspection date.