PTAT has helped thousands of Mexican farming families advance

The PTAT began in 1974 with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the governments of Mexico and Canada. It is estimated that every year more than 26,000 Mexicans are hired, who will work between three and eight months, depending on each company, and will receive salaries ranging from 13 to 16 dollars per hour, depending on the province.

OTTAWA.- Despite some disadvantages over so many years of history, complaints of mistreatment, allegations of exploitation by Canadian businessmen and accidents that have resulted in fatalities, many Mexicans are very grateful to the Mexico-Mexico Temporary Agricultural Worker Program. Canada (PTAT), which is celebrating its 45th anniversary and which has become an example to the world of what an employment program for foreigners can be, without the need for the person to emigrate.

To date, 383,677 Mexican workers, mostly farmers who came to plant and harvest crops in Canada, have signed contracts with Canadian agricultural companies that allow them to obtain all the benefits of a worker in Canada, including housing, social security and health services, and in some cases, food, so much of their salary is free.

In 2019, we plan to hire between 26,000 and 28,000 Mexicans, depending on the needs of Canadian employers, although initially the Canadian embassy has already granted 17,000 work visas for the month of March.

Last week, the first 400 temporary workers left Mexico, of the more than 26,000 expected this year under the program that has become an international benchmark for creating labor mobility plans.

The PTAT allowed Mexican farmers to do jobs in Canada that many Canadians refuse to do, but all in a coordinated way between the governments of Mexico and Canada, to ensure that workers receive the same benefits and benefits. equal treatment accorded to them. It allows for a fair wage, which currently varies depending on the region between 13 and 16 Canadian dollars per hour.

Every year, thousands of Mexicans arrive in the country in March, with the arrival of spring, and stay until November, when agricultural work ends for the winter. They return to their home country and, the following year, depending on their performance, they can be rehired.

For their safety, upon returning to Mexico, agricultural workers submit a report to Mexican authorities, and if mistreatment or contract violations are detected, the company will not be able to hire more Mexicans, but a complaint is also filed with the Canadian authorities who, in cooperation with the consulates, ensure control of all contracts.