Ideas Your tomatoes have a backstory and it’s not always pretty
Dec 11, 2025
Marcello Di Cintio, an author and journalist, delves into the hidden lives of migrant workers in Canada. He exposes the grim realities faced by these individuals, trapped in exploitative conditions despite their essential contributions to the economy. Through personal stories, including those of workers like Omar, he highlights issues of abuse, wage theft, and the moral contradictions of inviting laborers while denying them dignity. Di Cintio argues for necessary reforms, including open permits and better protections, to restore rights and visibility to these invisible laborers.
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Migrant Labour Shapes Canada’s Identity
- Marcello Di Cintio frames migrant labour as central to Canada's economy and identity, revealing a national blind spot.
- He argues the systems that welcome work but deny settlement paint an unflattering portrait of Canada.
Grandfather’s Different Migrant Experience
- Marcello recalls his grandfather Amadeo arriving in 1956 as a migrant worker and later gaining landed status.
- The contrast with today's temporary workers highlights how policy now welcomes work but not long-term belonging.
Working To Build A Home Back Home
- Omar Walcott describes coming under the seasonal agricultural program to earn money and build a house for his family.
- He explains the repeated cycles of work and remittances that keep workers returning year after year.
