International agriculture housing

International agricultural workers (IAWs), also known as migrant farm workers or temporary foreign workers, are considered essential workers that come to Ontario to work in the agricultural and related sectors. In Ontario, housing accommodations for international agricultural workers must be inspected by Public Health before workers arrive. Employers must ensure the housing is safe and meets the health and safety standards.

Housing for international agricultural workers may have elevated risks to health, such as unsafe water, food safety issues, and crowded living conditions. In addition, housing that is not used year-round may be susceptible to pest infestation, and infection prevention and control challenges.

Owners/operators are advised to consult the Housing Guidelines prior to requesting an inspection:

• Federal Housing Guidelines
• All international agricultural workers housing accommodations must comply with all local building, fire and zoning requirements. It is strongly recommended that owners/operators providing housing to international agricultural workers consult with their local municipality, including the building and fire departments, in advance to ensure permits can be obtained and requirements met before requesting an inspection from Public Health.
  • Request for inspection of international agricultural housing accommodations

Every owner/operator who intends to provide housing for international agricultural workers for the first time or in a new accommodation is advised to reach out to Southeast Public Health as early as possible in the planning process. After consulting with Southeast Public Health and local municipal departments, and once accommodations are ready for inspection, owners/operators are advised to notify Southeast Public Health no later than two weeks prior to the preferred inspection date.

To notify Southeast Public Health about new or planned accommodations, please complete and submit the notice of intent to operate housing for international agricultural workers form.

For existing housing accommodations, owners/operators are advised to contact Southeast Public Health a minimum of two weeks prior to the preferred inspection date.