Maria Amuchastegui’s article “Farming it out,” explains and argues how Canada, along with the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAW), allows guest-workers from Mexico to work and receive the benefits Canadian citizens appreciate until health issues arise.
Ms. Amuchastegui reviews the pros and cons for the migrant workers in Canada. Through the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAW), they are offered job opportunities and some medical benefits that Canadian citizens enjoy; however, they are not treated equally as promised. As Amuchastegui states, “They’re not wanted as citizens by Canada, they’re wanted as labourers”.
By alternating between the narrative incident and general information, Maria Amuchastegui acknowledges the difficulties that can arise with migrant workers who come to Canada through the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAW). For example, Hermelindo Gutiérrez, a guest-worker from Mexico, is revealed to have kidney failure. Gutiérrez has been working for Pioneer Flower Farms for 7 years and is Henk Sikking Jr.’s right-hand guy. Gutiérrez advises the Mexican consulate of his condition; however, the consulate demands he returns to Mexico. Usually, when a migrant worker becomes ill in Canada, they can legally remain in the country for the duration of their permit. Unfortunately, for Gutiérrez he suffers from a long term illness which would normally send a worker home. Sikking Jr., fights for Gutiérrez to stay and be treated in Canada as he is one of the best workers. “We depend on these guys for our livelihood” he said, while arranging for Gutiérrez to file for refugee status. As he continues to await a court date for his refugee hearing, Gutiérrez was lonely and missing his family. A member of the Ste. Marguerite d’Youville parish anonymously purchased tickets for Gutiérrez’s wife and two children to Canada on a tourist visa. Gutiérrez continues to receive dialysis, and ironically even with medicare and a willing donor; he can’t afford a kidney transplant. In the end, what happened to Gutiérrez is not uncommon. Sikking concludes “If they’re not getting medical treatment in Mexico, then I think they should get it here. Some of these guys have been working here for 40 years.”
Works Cited
Amuchastegui, Maria. “Farming It Out.” Essay Essentials With Readings. 6th ed. Eds. Sarah Norton, Brian Green, and Rhonda Dyes. Toronto: Nelson, 2015. 309-315.
Cited: Amuchastegui, Maria. “Farming It Out.” Essay Essentials With Readings. 6th ed. Eds. Sarah Norton, Brian Green, and Rhonda Dyes. Toronto: Nelson, 2015. 309-315.
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