Windsor West MP Brian Masse wants the federal government to step up its support for the Migrant Farm Worker Isolation Centre in Windsor.
The agreement with the Red Cross expired Wednesday. It was funded by the federal government and Masse wants Ottawa to continue financial supports.
The City of Windsor has offered to take over operations at the centre, but it will need money from the federal and provincial governments.
"As we are now in the second wave of COVID pandemic, the need for services and facilities that were essential in the first wave continues," said Masse. "Migrant farmworkers are integral and essential for Canada's food supply. The isolation centre to help combat COVID-19 is a fundamental public health measure."
Masse said the Red Cross has done a "great job"
Meanwhile, the medical officer of health at the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit has called on governments to keep the centre open.
About 20,000 migrant workers come to Ontario each year to help on farms and in greenhouses. Many of them come from Mexico, Guatemala and the Caribbean.
Because of the pandemic, they were required to self-isolate for two weeks upon arrival in Canada.
Despite that precaution, hundreds of local migrant workers got COVID-19, and two died.
"We don't need to have any more tragedies due to neglect and inaction, as we did earlier this year," said Masse. "The federal government needs to protect farmworkers -- The city has stepped in to fill the void. The funds are available to do this now. The Liberals need to act instead of talk."