Issue
The agri-food industry is an economic driver for Canada, contributing to the national GDP as well as ensuring that the supply chain is maintained, and our people are fed. However, labour shortages have plagued the industry. These shortages could be partially solved using the existing Temporary Foreign Workers program, however the TFW program has come under attack in recent years, leading to unease on the part of industry.
Background
Agriculture is an industry of substantial importance to the national economy. The agri-food industry generated over $143.8 billion of national GDP in 2022, while employing 2.3 million people, equal to providing one in every nine Canadian jobs.
While food production in Canada is well-positioned to continue to flourish because of surging demand from a growing global population, there are some limiting factors that could impede this potential.
Recommendations
That the Government of Canada:
- Commit to maintaining the viability of the Temporary Foreign Worker program in Canada without adding red tape.
- Enshrine in policy that all Labour Market Impact Assessment applications for Temporary Foreign Worker positions in agriculture and agri-food related positions within 6-8 weeks, as well as committing to the timely provision of inspection audits.
- Continue the transparent tracking process to confirm that these timelines are being met; including minimum quarterly reports that are easily accessible at no cost.
- Keep the validity of housing inspection result at a minimum of 12 months.
- Engage in meaningful consultations with community stakeholders, chambers of commerce, associations, employers, and TFWs themselves to determine going forward the steps necessary to ensure a balanced approach that allows employers to access the workforce they need while safeguarding TFWs’ rights.
- Make permanent the Recognized Employer Pilot and explore ways to further reduce red tape through this program.
- Address undocumented temporary foreign workers by reducing application fees, simplifying reporting processes and increasing fines for operations not acting in good faith and in accordance with regulations.
- When assessing temporary foreign worker compensation and a ‘fair wage’, include employer provided housing, transportation, meals and other costs such as legal and regulatory compliance, and costs associated with meeting local building permit requirements and zoning of residential housing units.
