Impacts of Extreme Weather Events on the Health of Temporary Workers in Québec’s Agricultural Sector

Background

Disadvantaged groups such as Temporary Foreign Workers in agriculture (TFWs) are disproportionately exposed to extreme weather events (EWEs) – including extreme heat, wildfires, and heavy rainfall – while facing reduced adaptive capacity due to precarious migration status. Reducing climate‑related risks faced by TFWs is a critical transnational public health issue, yet important gaps remain regarding the health impacts of EWEs and the role of structural determinants in shaping exposure. This action research project addressed these gaps by focusing on agricultural TFWs, a marginalized group in a sector highly exposed to EWEs. We analyzed their experiences in Quebec (the second‑largest host province for TFWs in Canada) and in their countries of origin.

Methods

Using a convergent mixed‑methods design, we conducted a cross‑sectional survey assessing vulnerability to EWEs and focus‑group discussions on lived experiences. Quantitative (descriptive statistics) and qualitative (thematic analysis) data were analyzed separately and then integrated.

Results

200 TFWs participated in the survey and 29 TFWs participated in focus-group discussions. Most respondents were from Guatemala (57%) or Mexico (35%). Ninety percent had experienced EWEs, yet 63% felt poorly informed about protective measures. Among those exposed in Quebec, 83% reported negative health impacts, compared with 56% in countries of origin. Focus‑group participants reported experiencing more intense heat in Quebec than in their home country, along with harsher working conditions and reduced income, all of which negatively affected their mental well‑being. Employer support varied, leading many to rely on personal coping strategies.

Conclusions

Closed, temporary work permits created a precarious status for agricultural TFWs that profoundly shaped their working conditions and perceived health in Quebec. Stronger occupational health protections, training, and income‑protection measures are needed.

Key messages

• TFWs exposed to at least one extreme weather event (EWE) in Québec were more likely to report negative health consequences (83%) than those exposed to EWEs in their country of origin (56%).

• Qualitative and quantitative datasets indicated that temporary work permits acted as strong structural determinants of health, mediating working conditions and access to prevention.