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COUNTRY LIFE IN BC • JUNE 2017 Seasonal farm workers find Canada a second home


To the Editor: I am writing in response to


recent articles with comments of those protesting farm worker housing in Coldstream (“Coral Beach pairs foreign, domestic worker housing,” May 2017).


Letters


Since the inception of the fruit industry over 100 years ago, large numbers of workers have been a central fact in Okanagan orchards. The make-up of the farm workforce has changed over the years, most recently to include Mexican workers brought in under SAWP (Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program). In my own case, my workforce is approximately 50% Mexican workers, with the remaining 50% being Canadian as well as International youth travelling on working holidays. In the previous century,


farm workers often had to fend for themselves in makeshift camps, or in the classic old “pickers cabin.” Thankfully, regulations are now in place stipulating


standards of accommodation and services. The facilities are third-party inspected, and must meet standards set by the provincial government. I note that recently nine growers in the South Okanagan were expelled from the SAWP program after their housing was found in breach of these standards. It’s sad it came to this, but it proves the inspection system works. Our new


staff facility in Coldstream, the cause of the recent controversy, represents an investment of more than $1 million and will comply with all regulations. We rely on our seasonal employees, who work long and hard. They deserve to be well taken care of.


Aside from the nature of our accommodation, I want to come to the defense of our employees. Some people have stated in public meetings that my staff will cause them to fear for their children’s safety, and the security of their property. Others have made public statements that our staff will destroy the fabric of the community. Vilifying a group of people based on their societal status or race is not the Canadian way, or at


least it shouldn’t be. In the case of Mexican SAWP workers, these visitors to our country are pre- screened for criminal records and must go through exhaustive selection processes before being accepted. The proof of the pudding is in the eating: For the last decade there have been over 2,000 SAWP workers annually in the Okanagan and there is no evidence that these folks are a menace to public safety. Likewise, in the case of the Canadian or international staff we hire, we have careful vetting as part of our hiring policies, aiming to ensure good character in our staff. Public statements were also made belittling our employees as having no ties to our community and no ties to our country. I beg to differ. In the case of our SAWP staff, I am proud of our 87% return rate; and they are tied to this community, coming back year after year. As an example, four of the Mexican staff presently residing in our Coldstream


DAVID GEEN


cottage are in their 11th season with us. They are friends as well as employees. Our foreign staff comes here to work and to support their families at home. When in Canada, they shop locally for groceries and amenities; pay Canadian taxes; and also pay EI


and CPP contributions, programs they rarely benefit from. The term ‘transient worker’ is technically correct, but practically inaccurate. Our Mexican workers essentially have a second home in Canada, to which they return each year, to everyone’s


benefit. A miniscule fraction of


Canada’s land is suitable for high-value horticulture crops. The production from these lands is a significant driver of economic activity, and diversification from Canada’s traditional resource extraction base. As a society, we need to understand that if this land is to be put to its highest use, and play its full part in our economy, that the associated people, infrastructure and equipment will be a part of the package. In order to lead, it is time that policymakers speak for the broad interests of the community and nation as a whole. Please, let’s have a discussion based on facts rather than unfounded fears. David Geen, President Coral Beach Farms Ltd.


Right to Roam wrong


To the Editor: We are very concerned about the “Right to Roam” legislation proposed by Green Party leader Andrew Weaver.


While well-meaning, it is


also very threatening to all private land owners in BC as it


diminishes the essence of owning private land. We have had many


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unpleasant experiences with trespassers on our lands – even with present legislation which provides a modicum level of protection to privacy. To allow free access to and across private lands would be a huge blow to democratic freedoms and the right to quiet enjoyment of one's property. It would also put our safety and economic well- being and the status of our private property at risk as anyone injured on our property could sue us for damages. The legislation raises many questions: which private lands would it apply to; who would determine which lands would be affected; what criteria would be used to determine the selection; would it apply to all the land or selected segments; what consideration, respect and/or compensation would be provided to the land owner; who would enforce it and adequately protect the private land owners from harassment, theft, damage and general nuisances? Our Western society is based on the principles of freedom of speech; freedom of religion; an economic system based on free enterprise; a democratic form of government and the right to own private property. Anything that weakens or


fetters any of these principles weakens the underpinnings of our nation. One of the greatest rights and privileges we have as Canadians is the right to own private property. We need to protect and cherish that right.


Fred Marshall Midway


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