The third week of March is Canadian Agricultural Safety Week, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of farm safety. The editors of Farm Workers in Western Canada: Injustices and Activism worked hard to get the word out about, well, injustices and activism.
Editor Shirley A. McDonald organized a book launch in Kelowna, BC on February 24. She partnered with the Faculty of Creative/Critical Studies of the University of British Columbia, Okanagan, who hosted filmmaker Min Sook Lee’s visit. It was an important event, and included the screening of her documentary, Migrant Dreams and a panel discussion. It was a great opportunity to showcase the book: everyone who attended was committed to learning more about the difficult issues facing migrant farm workers. Activists Darlene Dunlop and Eric Musekamp from Alberta were able to participate in a variety of activities and conversations that took place during the week.
A high-profile launch in Edmonton took place on December 8, 2016, with Minister Gray. MLA David Swann has been a remarkable supporter of farm safety and farm workers’ issues over many years, and his office took the lead in creating the event, held at The Common lounge next to the Legislature grounds.
Editor Bob Barnetson’s blog post, “Farm worker injury study bolsters arguments for farm safety legislation” was published on the Parkland Institute and on the Rank and File‘s website.
A book trailer is in the works for Farm Workers in Western Canada. We look forward to sharing the trailer with you once completed.