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By Alice McFarlane

Temporary Foreign Workers

Farmers, food processors to receive millions to help foreign workers isolate

Apr 13, 2020 | 3:32 PM

The federal government will offer funding to employers to implement the 14-day isolation periods for temporary foreign workers.

Farmers, fish harvesters, and all food production and processing sectors can take advantage of the $50 million announced today.

Agriculture and Agri-Food minister Marie-Claude Bibeau said the 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.

Bibeau said before the pandemic, the food sector was already challenged by significant labour shortages. She said it’s in an effort to maintain the strength of Canada’s food supply chain.

“The new federal support provides employers with $1,500 per worker to help put in place the measures necessary to comply with public health requirements. This program will be available as long as the quarantine act is enforced and the isolation protocol has to be followed,” Bibeau said.

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The rules of the mandatory isolation period have been distributed to the employers. Bibeau said there will be consequences for those who do not follow the guidelines. The funding is conditional on employers not being found in violation of the mandatory 14-day isolation protocols or any other public health order.

“Government authorities will follow up regularly, and employers or workers who do not comply will face severe sanctions and fines. At the same time, there continues to be thousands of jobs available in our food sector,” Bibeau said.

No travellers including temporary foreign workers who present with COVID-19 symptoms are allowed to board international flights to Canada. The feds also announced it has 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.

Bibeau said producing a variety of foods relies on the contributions of experienced workers.

“In many regions of the country, the production of food, particularly fresh fruits and vegetables, relies on the contribution of experienced temporary foreign workers right from planting season to harvest. We count on them to fill our shelves,” Bibeau added.

In addition to the responsibility of paying the workers for the two weeks during the time they can’t work, many employers are also responsible for providing workers with transportation and accommodations, as well as access to food and basic supplies needed to meet all of the conditions imposed by public health authorities.

Roughly 50,000 to 60,000 foreign agricultural, food and fish processing workers coming to work in Canada each year.

Bibeau said the program will be available as long as the Quarantine Act is in force and the isolation protocol is followed.

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alice.mcfarlane@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @AliceMcF