Ontario Investing to Attract and Retain International Agri-Food Workers

Table of Contents

1. Content
2. Quick Facts
3. Quotes
4. Additional Resources

KINGSVILLE - The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $1.5 million over four years to create a more welcoming environment for international agri-food workers (IAWs) who work in Ontario's $51 billion agri-food sector and provide them with stronger supports during their stay here. These include translation supports, expanding or introducing transportation services, and supporting cultural and recreational activities.

The IAW Welcoming Communities Initiative, funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), builds on the Virtual Welcome Centre launched in 2023, a webpage of resources for IAWs available in English, Spanish and French. It includes information about worker rights and responsibilities, adjusting to life here, and living and working safely in the community.

"It's vitally important that our international agri-food workers have access to support and services while they're in Canada," said the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. "This program will make a real difference in their lives, helping them feel more connected and supported while they contribute so much to our agricultural sector."

"International agri-food workers play a vital role in Ontario's agri-food sector, and we want them to feel engaged and supported," said Rob Flack, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. "As the next cohort of workers arrives this growing season, our government is ensuring Ontario continues to attract and retain the skills and talent our growing agri-food sector will need."

The IAW Welcoming Communities Initiative intake will be open from October 8, 2024 to November 19, 2024. Successful applicants can receive up to 75 per cent in cost-share funding per application, up to a maximum of $100,000. Applications demonstrating financial need may be eligible for more cost-share funding. The initiative guidelines are available online. Eligible organizations and municipalities can apply to implement activities and project collaborations with other organizations (e.g. faith-based, for-profit, community health centres, etc.) that support the attraction and retention of IAWs, improve their access to community services, and promote their independence.

The Sustainable CAP is a five-year (2023-2028), $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada's agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5 billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs designed and delivered by the provinces and territories.

Quick Facts

Quotes

"We're excited to see this investment from the federal and provincial governments to provide additional assistance to agri-food workers. This funding will help organizations like SECC continue its work with Temporary Foreign Workers through language classes and providing affordable transportation to access community services."

- Carolyn Warkentin
Executive Director, South Essex Community Council

"We are very grateful to the Ontario and Canadian governments for their commitment of $1.5 million over the next four years to assist in creating a more welcoming and supportive environment for international agri-food workers in Ontario. This funding will help us continue offering translation and transportation services and cultural and recreational activities - all of which provide essential services for the international agri-food workers. These services are critical in ensuring that the agri-food workers feel understood and will also help them navigate through the daily challenges of being in a new environment. This service enriches the community and creates a more inclusive and compassionate society, especially for these workers who are vital to the economy of our region."

- Martin Varela
Chair, Migrant Worker Community Program

"The greenhouse sector relies heavily on our international agricultural workers to provide the much-needed labour that promotes domestic food security. This funding announcement will help our communities to enhance valuable programing that recognizes workers for their untiring contributions supporting greenhouse vegetable farming in Ontario."

- Richard Lee
Executive Director, Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers

Additional Resources