By Lyonel Doherty

Some officials are worried that the yearly migration of Quebec migrants in the South Okanagan may increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

Boundary-Similkameen MLA Linda Larson said she is “very concerned” about the traditional influx of seasonal workers from Quebec coming here to pick fruit.

“I have heard through the South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce and from constituents that this is becoming an issue.”

Larson said there is fear when groups are observed not following provincial health orders during the pandemic, which could spread the coronavirus.

“At this point the danger is more amongst themselves (farm workers) as we can avoid contact by keeping our distance.”
Larson said while Quebec appears to have rules about people entering its province, there are no rules about leaving.

The MLA acknowledged that farm workers are an essential service, and even though there is no work yet, they have always arrived early to enjoy the better weather in the Okanagan.
Larson said B.C. and Alberta made statements last week about people staying in their respective provinces, but there are no plans to enforce that.

“At this time my message would be to avoid contact at all possible with these individuals and continue to follow (Provincial Health Officer) Dr. Henry’s recommendations.”

But Glen Lucas, manager of the BC Fruit Growers’ Association (BCFGA), said they are continuing to encourage Quebec youth to come to the valley.

He said their pre-seasonal labour orientation and safety training manager has historically delivered posters on Okanagan orchard work to Quebec colleges. And since COVID-19 hit, he has been contacted by many potential workers. Lucas said they have some workers available now and will coordinate with BCFGA members if they need them.

Lucas said an important part of the safety manager’s work is reaching out to workers and growers about COVID-19 practices. In fact, AgSafeBC has developed a website for grower and worker information, procedures and signage. The website is https://agsafebc.ca/tools/emergency-planning-resources/covid-19-resources/

Lucas said Western Agricultural Labour Initiative (WALI)  launched an app that was originally developed for worker information before COVID-19. However, it is an excellent channel for coronavirus information, he pointed out.

Oliver Mayor Martin Johansen said he was on a conference call recently with Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Selina Robinson and fellow mayors in the Okanagan Similkameen.

Johansen said there are a lot of requirements (physical distancing) with regards to foreign and domestic workers on farms. However, there is nothing specific to cover domestic workers as they go from farm to farm or where they are housed (as per provincial health orders), he noted.

“The message to the minister is that this is a serious concern especially in terms of community transmission and the potential to overload our local health care system,” Johansen said.

The mayor said until such time that additional direction is issued, the Town will be working to manage domestic workers through its bylaw enforcement office.

He stated that expectations for social distancing will be the first action taken, followed by enforcement for non-compliance under the Public Health Act.

“If necessary, the RCMP will be called upon to assist.”

Osoyoos Mayor Sue McKortoff said their bylaw officers and RCMP will certainly be involved as well.

“We will continue to look at ways to manage this.”

McKortoff said Osoyoos usually sees transient pickers first as they make their way up the valley (as the fruit ripens).

This year she expects to see only Canadian students and young adults as they travel the country for work during the pandemic.

The mayor said she discussed the issue with Minister Robinson and asked for help. They are also expecting assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture, she added.

“We would like the farmers/orchardists to help by providing camping sites, water and washrooms, but this has not usually been the case for all farms,” McKortoff said.

Area A (rural Osoyoos) director Mark Pendergraft said he shares similar concerns about migrant workers potentially spreading the virus here.

“I am of the opinion that if any workers come to the Okanagan, the orchardists are going to have to make sure the pickers they hire stay and camp on that property, and that the workers follow the social distancing rules like everyone else.”

Pendergraft said he imagines there will be guidelines in place by the province dealing with migrant workers, and he hopes there will be some enforcement efforts as well.

Area C (rural Oliver) director Rick Knodel said the regional district is in the process of establishing a COVID-19 protocol for the Loose Bay farm worker’s camp north of Oliver.

“This is new ground for us and what our medical experts have to say are the most important words you may ever hear.”

Knodel said this issue is literally a matter of life or death because the virus recognizes no borders and affects all races, religions, economic classes and social classes.

“Few of us understood how fast this would unfold and we should consider the blessing that this is not airborne transmission with a higher death rate.”

The director noted that COVID-19 had the potential to be much worse and could still be if we do not stay the course.