The Jamaican Government takes special pride in its seasonal agricultural workers who come to Canada under the Ministry of Labour’s Overseas Employment Programme. A group of 223 workers departed April 29, 2025 with a personal send-off from labour minister Pearnel Charles Jr. 

Of the 223 workers, 200 will travel to Ontario, 12 to New Brunswick, three to Québec and eight to British Columbia. Their roles will include harvesting apples and soft fruits such as peaches, blueberries, cherries, raspberries, strawberries, as well as vegetables such as cucumber and squash.

For his part, Labour Minister Pearnel Charles Jr said, "This morning's send-off underscores our strong bilateral cooperation with Canada and the high level of trust in the professionalism and productivity of our Jamaican workers.” 

He revealed that, since the beginning of 2025, a total of 5,434 Jamaican workers have been deployed under the Overseas Employment Programme — with 3,777 to Canada and 1,657 to the United States. 

Charles urged departing workers, especially first-timers, to carry the 59-year legacy of the Jamaican worker with pride as ambassadors of Jamaica. 

“Pick up the good habits, walk past the bad habits, and learn from those who have been on the programme for 20 and 30 years. Obey all safety regulations, act professionally, and remember that your actions reflect not just on yourselves, but on all Jamaicans - you are the face of Jamaica,” he stated.

Source: The Gleaner April 29, 2025 newspaper