The NLCHC launches TeaMWork: A project supporting migrant workers

June 5, 2023, Forest, Ontario – The North Lambton Community Health Centre (NLCHC) and their project partners are thrilled to announce they have received TeaMWork Project funding from Employment and Social Development Canada. TeaMWork is a project under the Migrant Worker Support Program. The purpose of the program is to provide migrant workers with accurate information and access to available services and supports in the community. The funding will serve the best interests of migrant workers in Lambton County, Chatham-Kent, and Essex County.

The TeaMWork project aims to foster inclusion of migrant workers through social, cultural, educational, and recreational events and provide assistance in accessing services available to support health and wellbeing.

“The TeaMWork Project is thrilled to partner with the North Lambton Community Health Centre in support of Migrant Worker communities in Sarnia-Lambton,” said Monica Champagne, TeaMWork Project Lead, Workforce WindsorEssex. “The active involvement of numerous community partners in Sarnia, Forest, and across the county, exemplify the collaborative spirit deeply embedded within the community. They have hit the ground running, reaching out and forging meaningful connections with the diverse communities of workers who play a vital role in the region. We look forward to supporting NLCHC in their work and to connecting with workers in the months ahead.”

“We are pleased to be part of this funding as it aligns with our work of connecting communities and improving the quality of life for everyone that lives in Sarnia Lambton,” said Kathy Bresett, Executive Director of the NLCHC. “We look forward to having the opportunity to work with our community partners and to be able to provide this community with the support they need to thrive.”

“Temporary foreign workers are an important part of Canada’s food security and economy,” said Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough. “Canadians depend on their hard work to put food on our tables. The health and safety of temporary foreign workers is critical. We’re proud to support the work of organizations like Workforce WindsorEssex and the North Lambton Community Health Centre. They empower migrant workers, ensuring they know their rights while working in Canada.”

“Temporary foreign workers are critically important to many farms in southwestern Ontario. I’m glad to see our community coming together to ensure they have the support they need to do their jobs safely, in security and with dignity while in Canada”, said Irek Kusmierczyk, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion and Member of Parliament for Windsor—Tecumseh.

For media inquiries or to learn more about the TeaMWork Project, please contact Bel Jamieson at bjamieson@nlchc.com.