Migrant Workers Raise Concerns Over Okanagan Winery’s Foreign Worker Ban
A migrant worker group highlights serious complaints against a winery in the Okanagan Valley, which faces a foreign worker hiring ban.
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Migrant Workers, Toor Vineyards, Dignidad Migrante Society
Okanagan Valley: A group in British Columbia is stepping up for migrant workers. They’ve been hearing from employees at Toor Vineyards, a winery that’s now banned from hiring temporary foreign workers. This ban comes after the winery was fined $118,000 for not following the rules.
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the winery didn’t do enough to protect its workers from various forms of abuse. They also failed to provide necessary documents and didn’t meet the promised pay and working conditions.
Raul Gatica, who runs the Dignidad Migrante Society, mentioned that several workers have reached out for help. Some of them faced serious issues, including sexual abuse. Gatica advised them to report these crimes to the police, and he confirmed that the police were informed.
Interestingly, Toor Vineyards is one of only two employers facing a permanent hiring ban for these violations. They share an address with Desert Hills Estate Winery, which has also faced penalties for similar issues.
Gatica expressed some hope that the government is finally taking action, but he’s skeptical about whether the fines will actually be paid. Meanwhile, Desert Hills didn’t respond to requests for comments, and it seems hard to find contact info for Toor Vineyards.
He pointed out that many migrant workers live in tough conditions, often cramped together and poorly paid. Gatica himself came to Canada from Mexico and has seen firsthand the harsh realities these workers face.
Syed Hussan from the Migrant Workers Alliance noted that these workers often feel trapped. Their work permits tie them to their employers, making it hard to speak out against mistreatment.
The temporary foreign worker program is meant to help fill jobs when Canadians aren’t available, but it’s been under scrutiny. Recently, the government made it tougher for businesses to hire low-wage workers from abroad.
This report was first published by The Canadian Press on January 7, 2025.