Relief for fruit and vegetable growers as more details of travel exemptions released
Date: March 20, 2020
Time: 9:30pm
Further to the news release from the Canadian Federation of Agriculture below, the OFVGA is extremely relieved to see more details released by the federal government regarding travel restriction exemptions. The past week has been an unprecedented situation the fruit and vegetable sector, and the OFVGA would like to thank all stakeholders, including the provincial and federal governments, the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, the Canadian Horticultural Council, and F.A.R.M.S. as we worked to identify quick, but thoughtful solutions to the labour shortage.
Information from the federal government can be access here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2020/03/canada-provides-update-on-exemptions-to-travel-restrictions-to-protect-canadians-and-support-the-economy.html
It is important that there are still many details to be worked through, and the OFVGA looks forward to working with stakeholders including the public health officials, to address the logistical challenges associated with this effort and ensure all necessary measures are taken. The exemptions are not anticipated to be formally enacted until early next week, so workers will not be able to travel to Canada until after that time. The health of the Canadian public and all agri-food workers continues to be the first priority.
The OFVGA will continue to provide additional information as it becomes available. The continued support of stakeholders and the provincial and federal government is appreciated as we collectively ensure a secure food supply for Canadians.
[CFA logo]
NEWS RELEASE
CFA Extremely Pleased with Government's Response to Looming Agri-food Worker Shortage
Ottawa, March 20th - The CFA was extremely pleased to hear this evening that the Canadian government has clarified that the existing travel restrictions will still allow essential agri-food temporary foreign workers from entering Canada in time for the impending planting season through to harvest.
"Farmers are pleased to see the government respond so promptly to the looming shortage of agri-food workers and we are committed to working with all the appropriate agencies and departments to ensure their entry maintains strict public health protocols to prevent further spread of COVID-19. Top of mind for Canadian farmers is ensuring the safety and health of all Canadians. The next top priority is ensuring a constant food supply during the COVID-19 pandemic for all Canadians" said CFA President, Mary Robinson.
"We are still reviewing the details and will be in close contact with all relevant departments and industry stakeholders over the coming days to ensure these workers arrive safely and on time, while responsibly adhering to all public health requirements. We commend the government's quick reaction, ensuring the continued resilience of the Canadian food supply during these difficult times", continued CFA President, Mary Robinson.
There are still many details to be worked through, but the CFA looks forward to working with public health officials and other key stakeholders to address the logistical challenges associated with this effort and ensure all necessary measures are taken. The health of the Canadian public and all agri-food workers is the first priority, and we will be in close contact with farm groups across Canada to ensure we are coordinated in this effort.
Media Contact:
Canadian Federation of Agriculture
Laurie Karson
Director of Communications
Phone: 613-236-3633 ext. 2322
Email: communications@canadian-farmers.ca
Canadian Federation of Agriculture, 21 rue Florence St, Ottawa, Ontario K2P0W6 Canada