Labour and Social Security Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. says further discussions will he held with Canadian authorities on the working and living conditions of Jamaican farm workers.
His comment comes on the heels of a new report from the United Nations that says Canada's temporary foreign worker programme is a breeding ground for contemporary forms of slavery.
"The government in our relationship and agreement with Canada, we have a construct that presents a framework to protect the interests of the farm workers, even if it is not perfect," Mr. Charles said, acknowledging that there is room for improvement in the programme.
He said the government will continue to ensure working conditions of farm workers are favourable, and the matter will be discussed in a meeting to be held shortly.
"I'll be going to Trinidad soon to meet with Canada and the other member countries in the CARICOM who are part of the programme, to discuss again the conditions of work, the living conditions, the conditions of pay and all of those factors, so that we can ensure as best as possible that any of our farm workers going up are experiencing a positive experience," he told Radio Jamaica's Beyond the Headlines.
Mr. Charles said his ministry will also continue to strengthen the liaison service to assist farm workers.
"We are going to continue to push for increased engagement with our farm workers, and we have continued the efforts to make sure that they know their rights, they are oriented properly, and we are working with our partners, Canada and others, to make sure that the systems and the processes are at the standard that we deem acceptable."
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