Inadequate housing for migrants cited in coroner report May 6, 2021
A coroner’s report into the COVID-19 deaths of three migrant farm workers last year has highlighted the role crowded, inadequate housing played in spreading the deadly virus on Ontario farms, plus a jumble of overlapping jurisdictions overseeing the living and working conditions of temporary foreign workers.
Deputy chief Ontario coroner Dr. Reuven R. Jhirad is recommending a further, formal inquest into the deaths of Bonifacio Eugenio Romero, Rogelio Munoz Santos and Juan Lopez Chaparro in May and June of last year.
Fr. Peter Ciallella, who presided at a memorial Mass for Lopez Chaparro at Blessed Sacrament Church in Burford, Ont., last year, is not surprised the coroner highlighted housing.
Author of the article: J.P. Antonacci  â¢Â Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Publishing date: May 04, 2021  â¢Â May 4, 2021  â¢Â 3 minute read  â¢Â Fanny Belcoski, right, and Rev. Peter Ciallella inside the newly opened Centre for Migrant Worker Solidarity in Simcoe, a resource centre and gathering spot for migrant farm workers in Norfolk County. Among the centre s first projects is to fill and distribute welcome bags filled with toiletries, snacks and personal protective equipment, as well as information about workers employment and health rights. Photo by J.P. Antonacci - Hamilton Spectator /Local Journalism Initiative reporter
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Migrant farm workers in Norfolk County have a new place to call their own.