The National Farmers Union has called for full and permanent status for all migrants.

The NFU supports migrant agricultural workers’ demands for open work permits, permanent and full immigration status on arrival, and for safe working conditions.

The NFU says there may be half a million undocumented people in Canada.

Undocumented workers employed on farms across Canada, like other seasonal migrant workers, do not have the same labour rights as resident Canadian workers.

The NFU says they are at risk of exploitation and fearful of reporting the abuses they experience.

Many do not seek medical and other basic services to avoid being flagged by immigration authorities.

The recent NFU convention saw unanimous support for a resolution to support full and permanent immigration status for all migrants, including undocumented people.

The NFU says these farm workers play a key role in Canadian food systems and need better working conditions and the opportunity to become permanent residents.

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