Some Looking to Government for Incentives for Potential Ag Labour Shortage

As the number of Canadians being laid off during the pandemic continues to rise, many politicians are calling on Ottawa to bring in incentives to address a potential labour shortage in agriculture.

Even though the federal government is easing restrictions on having foreign workers enter Canada during the pandemic, to help with spring work on Canadian farms, some politicians like PEI senator Diane Griffin is worried about timing.  Griffin says those workers arriving in the country will have to self isolate first for two weeks, meaning they won't be able to help at all.

Griffin is hoping Ottawa can work with all provincial ag departments to encourage more Canadians to seek a job in agriculture, even if it's temporary.  Griffin said those workers should still be paid any benefits they're currently receiving from the government.  Griffin points out, having to isolate foreign workers when they arrive, is also an added cost to producers at seeding time.