Alberta health officials say three workers at the Olymel hog-slaughter plant at Red Deer died of COVID-19.
They also said a birthday party in a trailer at the plant is responsible for the extent of the spread of the virus. More than 400 of the workforce of about 1,800 tested positive for the virus.
The plant closed on Feb. 18, but may re-open this week.
During the closure, some Alberta hogs were diverted to plants in the United States.
The federal government assured the Alberta hog farmers that it will provide financial help to those who had to retain hogs that were ready for market.
