In an effort to strengthen the nation's food supply chain during the COVID-19 pandemic, both the federal and provincial governments are investing $1 million to connect Canadians with jobs in the agri-food sector.
The cost-shared financial support through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP), should help people connect with job opportunities quicker, which in turn would benefit the agriculture sector. The job opportunities available range from grocery retail to work at food processing companies.
Through the CAP's Place to Grow: Agri-Food Innovation Initiative, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs will accept applications and expedite the approval process, while funding is available.
"The women and men who work on farms, in processing plants and throughout the food production chain, are doing an essential service for us during this critical time and we are thankful for their dedication and hard work," said Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. "There is a strong need for workers on Canadian farms and in food processing businesses right now and our Government is taking concrete actions to find solutions, including through this new initiative, to ensure that Canadians continue to have high-quality food on their grocery store shelves and kitchen tables."
The $1 million in new funding comes shortly after the province launched a new website to help match people to jobs and training resources.
"Our government is doing everything possible to ensure we support our farmers and food processors to fill job vacancies, including the development of a new web portal connecting workers with employers," said Ernie Hardeman, Ontario Minister of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs.
Questions about the targeted application process can be emailed to agpartnership@ontario.ca or call 1-877-424-1300.
According to a release from the province, the agri-food sector in Ontario supports more than 837,000 jobs across the province and contributes more than $47.5 billion each year to the economy.