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Costs are rising in agricultural circles in terms of fertilizer, packaging, fuel and now in Ontario, businesses are facing an unexpected increase to $15 per hour minimum wage as of January 1, 2022.  From a competitiveness standpoint, Ontario’s minimum wage will be much higher than Quebec’s rate of $13.50 per hour which came into effect in May 2021. 

Details were announced February 1 for the Surplus Potato Management Response under which the Canadian government will provide up to $28 million and the province of Prince Edward Island will provide up to $12.2 million. For context, this is due to findings of potato wart in two PEI fields and the November 21, 2021 closure of the border to export potatoes to the U.S. 

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) welcomes the news that the Government of Canada will create a new Supply Chain Task Force. It’s to consult with industry to make recommendations on short and long-term ongoing supply chain disruptions. 

Since fall of 2021, CPMA has been working with industry partners to call for the creation of a Joint Industry-Government Task Force to address the significant impacts of supply chain disruptions, as outlined in a December letter to Prime Minister Trudeau and members of Cabinet.

The Ontario government is promising to distribute up to 5,500 free HEPA filters to improve ventilation in agri-food congregate living settings. This will add an additional layer of protection to keep agri-food workers safe and reduce the risk of COVID-19 outbreaks on farms and in workplaces across the food supply chain.

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association has opened early bird registration for the 2022 Convention and Trade Show which is scheduled for April 5-7, 2022 at the Palais des congrès in Montreal, Quebec. 

This year’s show will focus on reuniting the produce industry after almost three years.  Full delegate registration offers access to educational sessions, social events, meal functions such as the Awards Brunch and the keynote speaker, Dr. Nick Bontis.