Published on School of Environmental Design and Rural Development (https://www.uoguelph.ca/sedrd)

Home > Migration, Housing, and the Economy: Perspectives from Canada and Mexico

Migration, Housing, and the Economy: Perspectives from Canada and Mexico

Submitted by dfoolen on September 15th, 2025 9:17 AM
Written by: 
Ryan Gibson
People standing and sitting in a classroom
Feature image caption: 
Dr. Ryan Gibson with faculty and students from the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México

On September 11, 2025, the Facultad de Economía at the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México [1] hosted an engaging academic exchange highlighting migration, labour, and economic dynamics between Canada and Mexico.

Dr. Ryan Gibson delivered a lecture titled "From Bunks to Belonging: Rethinking Seasonal Farmworker Housing in Canada". Drawing on recently collected data from local planners across Ontario, Dr. Gibson examined the critical role housing plays in shaping the experiences of International Agricultural Workers. He emphasized the connections between migration and community integration, asking participants to consider how living conditions influence not only worker well-being but also broader social and economic outcomes. Dr. Gibson’s lecture underscored the deep ties between Mexico and Canada through seasonal agricultural programs and invited dialogue on how housing can move beyond temporary shelter to foster belonging and connections to host communities.

The event also featured two additional presentations. Dr. Lidia Carvajal Gutiérrez shared insights in her talk, Remittances and Self-Investment in Human Capital, analyzing how remittance flows support education and skill development. Meanwhile, Dr. Oswaldo García Salgado presented Analysis of the Impact of Tariffs on the Economy, offering a timely assessment of trade policy and its broader implications in Mexico. 

The lectures provided a multidimensional view of migration, labour, and economic transformation. The session also strengthened academic collaboration and deepening understanding of the challenges and opportunities linking Mexico and Canada. 

About Us

The School of Environmental Design and Rural Development (SEDRD) brings together major academic fields concerned with creating strong communities, in Canada and around the world. The four highly respected programs in SEDRD share many common goals but approach them in different and complementary ways. This model reflects the imperatives in building authentic communities where planners, landscape architects, communicators, and citizens all play important interdependent roles in community strength.

Contact Us

Academic Programs

  • Capacity Development and Extension
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Rural Planning and Development
  • Rural Studies

Source URL:https://www.uoguelph.ca/sedrd/news/2025/09/migration-housing-and-economy-perspectives-canada-and-mexico

Links
[1] https://www.uaemex.mx