The governments of Canada and Ontario are creating the Labour Force Management Strategies Initiative to attract and retain Ontario agri-food workers. The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is providing $4 million. 

The federal ag minister Lawrence MacAulay says the initiative will help fund job training and new recruitment marketing campaigns, introduce new worker supports such as ridesharing programs and language training and support the planning of on-site amenities and recreational facilities. 

“We have heard loud and clear from Ontario’s agribusiness champion processors that continued access to skilled labour is crucial to their long-term growth,” said Rob Flack, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. 

Successful producers and processors can receive up to 50 per cent in cost-share support per project, up to a maximum of $40,000. Eligible industry organizations and collaborations between or among businesses can receive up to 50 per cent of their eligible costs, up to a maximum of $100,000 per project.

The Initiative will start accepting applications from eligible primary producers, processors and industry organizations on October 22, 2024. Applications will be accepted no later than September 2, 2025. 

The initiative builds on the Canadian Agricultural Partnership–funded Ontario Agri-Careers Support Initiative (OACSI) to address agri-food labour challenges. It also supports the Grow Ontario Strategy goals of increasing total agri-food sector employment by 10 per cent by 2032 and making Ontario the destination of choice for International Agri-Food Workers (IAWs). 

Source:  Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Agribusiness October 8, 2024 news release