In this first episode of a 10 part series, we introduce the workings of the Seasonal Agricultural Workers program in Canada and talk with activist Byron Cruz, about some of the problems and injustices that workers face while here on Canadian farms. We cover where this podcast was born from and go over some of the reasons why Pedro Chamale began writing about the SAWP. As well we sit down with song cycle composer Mishelle Cuttler to talk how the song “The Program” was constructed and some of the history behind the song cycle creation.


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Where does our food come from? Who grows it? Who is nourished by it? Made in Canada: an agricultural podcastgoes in-depth to illustrate the issues surrounding Canada’s migrant workers. We speak with activist, artist and experts on the Seasonal Agricultural Program in Canada and the injustices faced by the folks who ensure that Canadian stores, famers markets and plates have food. Working as a companion podcast to Made in Canada: an agricultural song cycle, we also go behind the mic for the creation of each song on the album week by week.

The podcast is written and narrated by Pedro Chamale, edited and co-produced by Kathleen Flaherty, and produced by Derek Chan and Howard Dai of rice & beans theatre. Made in Canada Song Cycle is possible by the support of The Canada Council for the Arts, The BC Arts Council, The Province of British Columbia, and the City of Vancouver. You can find out more about the Podcast and Made in Canada: an agriculture song cycle, or support us and purchase the album at micsongcyle.ca.

Support the show (https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/rice-and-beans-theatre-society/)