Thursday, April 8, 2021

$10 million more for employers of foreign workers

Farms and agri-food businesses that hire three or more temporary foreign workers will be eligible for funding.from another $10 million the province announced today.

The program is also being expanded to include temporary foreign workers will be eligible who do corn detasseling and who work as transporters, in hatcheries and in primary processing plants doing work such as cutting, cleaning, packaging, storage and refrigeration. 

The funding will help farmers who experience unexpected costs for short-term or temporary housing and transportation as a result of a COVID-19 outbreak among on-farm employees. In addition, increased flexibility has been built into the program to ensure it can respond to emerging issues and risks. 

The intake opens on April 22 and will cover costs retroactive to March 13. Applications will be accepted while funding is available or until November 30. 

The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture expressed appreciation.