Federal Ag Minister Outlines Rules to Allow Temporary Foreign Workers

Many farms in our country rely on workers coming from other nations to help on the farm.  

Canada's top ag minister, Marie Claude Bibeau, outlined the rules and regulations to allow temporary foreign workers to enter the country this spring to help with the new growing season.  "Like all foreign nationals arriving to Canada during the COVID-19 crisis, they must follow a strict mandatory 14 day isolation period."  

Bibeau also announced program to help farmers financially to help to comply with the isolation period.  "The new federal support provides employers with $1,500 per worker to help put in place and ensure compliance with the strict public health requirements.  This exceptional program will be available as long as the quarantine act is enforced," explains Bibeau.

Even with the foreign workers allowed to enter the country, Bibeau notes there are thousands of jobs available in the food sector.  The Province of Alberta also has a plan in place for those unemployed that may want to work in the ag and agri-food sector.