CHAT News File Photo

By Chris Brown

Protecting food supply chain

Federal money for farmers, food producers, processors

Apr 13, 2020 | 6:12 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Area farmers and food production and processing employers are getting some relief from potential labour shortages exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The federal government announced today $50 million to help put in place the necessary measures so that temporary foreign workers can follow the mandatory 14-day isolation period required of anyone arriving from abroad.

Support of $1,500 for each temporary foreign worker, to employers or those working with them to ensure requirements are fully met. The funding is conditional on employers not being found in violation of the mandatory 14-day isolation protocols or any other public health order. This program will be available as long as the Quarantine Act is in force and the isolation protocol is followed.

“Today’s announcement will help to protect the health of Canadians, while ensuring a steady labour supply to support our economy and ensure our food security during these extraordinary times. There will always be jobs for Canadians who want to work and support these sectors.” The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion

“Temporary foreign workers have been an integral part of the Canadian workforce and food supply chain for decades,” says Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion. “Today’s announcement will help to protect the health of Canadians, while ensuring a steady labour supply to support our economy and ensure our food security during these extraordinary times. There will always be jobs for Canadians who want to work and support these sectors.”

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In many regions across Canada, producing a variety of quality foods to be sold at affordable prices relies upon the contributions of experienced temporary foreign workers right from planting season to harvest—particularly for fresh fruits and vegetables, reads. Fish, seafood and meat processing plants are also reliant on the addition of these workers.

This is an important reason why the Government of Canada granted an exemption for temporary foreign workers from travel restrictions to Canada, along with other foreigners with student and work visas, provided they adhere to a strict 14-day isolation protocol upon arrival.

In many regions across Canada, producing a variety of quality foods to be sold at affordable prices relies upon the contributions of experienced temporary foreign workers right from planting season to harvest—particularly for fresh fruits and vegetables. Fish, seafood and meat processing plants are also reliant on the addition of these workers.

This is an important reason why the Government of Canada granted an exemption for temporary foreign workers from travel restrictions to Canada, along with other foreigners with student and work visas, provided they adhere to a strict 14-day isolation protocol upon arrival.

Employers are responsible for paying the workers during the two-week isolation period, as well as providing workers with transportation and accommodations, and access to food and basic supplies needed to meet all of the conditions imposed by public health authorities.

Quick Facts

• Temporary foreign workers play an important role in the Canadian economy with approximately 50,000 to 60,000 foreign agricultural, food and fish processing workers coming to work in Canada each year, which accounts for more than 60% of all foreign workers entering Canada under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
• Each year, despite the fact that the agricultural sector receives approximately 60,000 foreign workers, around 15,000 jobs remain vacant.
• No travellers including temporary foreign workers who present with COVID-19 symptoms are allowed to board international flights to Canada.
• This support is available for all food production firms that rely on temporary foreign workers, including primary agriculture and food processing, as well as fisheries and aquaculture.