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. The stronger supports include translation, 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.

The 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 greenhouse sector relies heavily on our international agricultural workers to provide the much-needed labour that promotes domestic food security,” said Richard Lee, executive director, Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers. “This funding announcement will help our communities to enhance valuable programing that recognizes workers for their untiring contributions supporting greenhouse vegetable farming in Ontario."

Source:  Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness September 27, 2024 news release