New Report: Heavy Hearts & Minds

March 31, 2026 - Heavy Hearts & Minds: Mental and Emotional Well-Being Among Migrant Agricultural Workers in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley draws on accounts from 44 survey respondents and 26 participants in an arts-based focus group session, all from Jamaica, Mexico and Guatemala. The report was authored by a team from the Centre for Migrant Worker Rights Nova Scotia (CMWR NS): Natalie Abdou, Stacey Gomez, and Aleida Rodriguez. The research was conducted in partnership with Dr. Andrés Arteaga at Saint Mary’s University. 

Findings reveal that migrant workers in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley experience significant emotional and mental strain due to factors such as family separation, isolation, challenging work conditions, inequitable pay, closed work permits, inadequate housing and restrictions on their freedom, autonomy and mobility. Yet, they face multiple barriers in accessing physical and mental health care, including fear of job loss, lack of information, transportation barriers and language barriers. Despite these hardships, migrant workers demonstrate strong resilience, drawing strength from sources such as family ties, peer support, organizational support, and personal determination.

The report includes recommendations for federal, provincial and municipal governments, community organizations and service providers to improve rights protections, social support, and mental health care for migrant workers in Nova Scotia.

The project was supported with a grant from the Nova Scotia Hospice Palliative Care Association.