Canada announces financial aid for workers in food supply chain

The Canadian Government has announced a C$50m ($35.9m) package to support farmers, fish harvesters, and all food production and processing employees in the wake of the coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis.

To ensure that Canada’s food supply chain is well maintained, the government is working closely with provinces, territories and stakeholders.

Canadian Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard Bernadette Jordan said: “Fish and seafood provide a healthy sustainable protein choice that Canadians have always relied on.

“With this new funding, we’re ensuring the sector can access the labour force needed while keeping Canadians and workers safe.”

As a safety precaution, the Canadian Government has made 14-day isolation mandatory for all workers arriving from abroad.

The new financial support will be offered by the government to all the food production firms that rely on temporary foreign workers, including primary agriculture and food processing, as well as fisheries and aquaculture.

The Canadian food sector has been facing significant labour shortages even before the pandemic, and it is now anticipated that there will be even more jobs to fill, requiring a variety of skills.

Canada Minister of Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion Carla Qualtrough said: “Temporary foreign workers have been an integral part of the Canadian workforce and food supply chain for decades.

“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.”