Okanagan visit recognized the workers, growers and liaison officials whose shared
commitment has made SAWP an enduring success
KELOWNA, B.C. July 31, 2026 – The British Columbia Fruit Growers’ Association (BCFGA) welcomed the
Honourable Pearnel Charles Jr., MP, JP, Jamaica’s Minister of Labour and Social Security, and a
senior Jamaican delegation to the Okanagan on July 28 and 29 to celebrate the 60th anniversary
of the Jamaican-Canadian Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP).
The two-day visit recognized the mutually beneficial partnership that has developed between
Jamaican workers, Canadian farm employers, communities and governments over six decades.
T The Okanagan program included farm visits and direct conversations with workers and
employers, culminating in an Employer and Worker Recognition Reception hosted by the
BCFGA in Kelowna on July 28. Minister Charles was joined by the Honourable Lana Popham,
B.C.’s Minister of Agriculture and Food; regional MLAs Gavin Dew, Kristina Loewen and Donegal
Wilson; Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas and several members of City Council; senior staff from the
offices of MPs Fuhr and Anderson; and representatives from the governments of Canada and
Jamaica, the Jamaica Liaison Service and British Columbia’s agricultural sector. Jamaican
workers with 20 or more years of service and Canadian employers with at least 15 years of
partnership with Jamaica were recognized for their sustained contributions to the program.
“Governments sign agreements, officials draft policies, and institutions build frameworks, but
it is people who give a partnership its heart,” said Minister Charles. “This programme has lasted
because workers chose excellence even when no one was watching, employers chose fairness
season after season, and liaison officers chose service.”
The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program provides significant benefits to both countries.
Experienced Jamaican workers help British Columbia growers produce and harvest crops at
critical points in the agricultural season, supporting farm viability, food production and rural
communities.
At the same time, the program provides Jamaican workers with recurring seasonal employment
and income that supports families, creates educational opportunities and strengthens
communities in Jamaica.
This year, 1,263 Jamaican workers are serving farms across British Columbia and Alberta,
supporting crop production, business competitiveness and agricultural communities
throughout Western Canada.
“SAWP is a true partnership,” said Deep Brar, President of the BCFGA. “British Columbia
growers rely on the experience, skill and commitment of Jamaican workers, while the program
provides meaningful seasonal employment that supports workers, families and communities in
Jamaica. Its 60-year history demonstrates what can be achieved when workers, employers,
governments and liaison services build relationships based on trust, respect and shared
responsibility.”
The Jamaica Liaison Service has been central to that success. Its Kelowna office, established in
2007, provides direct support to Jamaican workers and Canadian employers throughout British
Columbia and Alberta and serves as an important bridge between farms, workers and the
Government of Jamaica.
“The Jamaica Liaison Service is one of the primary reasons SAWP has succeeded in British
Columbia,” Brar added. “Its team understands the needs of both workers and employers and is
exceptionally responsive when support is required.”
The visit also provided an opportunity for the BCFGA, the Jamaican delegation and Canadian
and British Columbia government representatives to discuss program performance, agricultural
workforce needs and opportunities for continued collaboration.
Participants emphasized that SAWP’s bilateral government structure, dedicated liaison service
and long history of direct cooperation distinguish it from other temporary labour streams.
Continued dialogue and practical collaboration will help ensure the partnership remains
responsive, reliable and successful into its seventh decade.
The visit formed part of Jamaica’s year-long SAWP Diamond Jubilee celebrations under the
theme “Sixty Years Strong: Building Partnerships, Shaping Futures.”
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