Farmers in one Canadian province will receive free psychological help
A new mental health support program for farmworkers.
The Canadian and provincial governments have awarded CA$ 450,000 to farmers in Manitoba. Specifically this money will go towards a program to support their mental health over three years. The announcement was made by Canadian Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn.
MacAulay explained this decision as follows:
"Farmers face unique stressors and challenges, but they don’t complain, and they always get the job done."
It is in the interest of Manitoba and Canada to support workers in this important sector. With funding, agricultural workers will be better able to cope with hardship.
How will the assistance be provided?
Funding will be used to provide psychological support and adjustment services. Contracts have already been signed with more than 32 mental health and coping clinics.
The program is tailored to farmers, and the advisors who assist them understand the stresses that such professionals face. For example, seasonality of work, weather disasters, market fluctuations and rural life.
The program opened in 2022. Its head, Marcel Hacault, says the new investment will provide free counseling to farmers, their families and workers.
The government regularly supports agri-food workers. Under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the federal and provincial governments have allocated CA$ 3.5 billion over 5 years. A special immigration pilot has been launched to address skills shortages in the sector.
