A large portion of HyLife Foods’ workforce is made up of immigrants to Canada
By Jennifer Jackson
By now, some farmers may have read that the reports that the agriculture and agri-food industry labour shortage is predicted to worsen over time, and that foreign workers may help fill this void. A Canadian pork processing company recognized this opportunity and recently received an award from the federal government for its work.
Ahmed Hussen, minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, presented HyLife Foods LP’s Neepawa, Manitoba location with a 2017 Employer Award for Newcomer Employment on Mar. 8.
The Government of Canada presents the award annually to employers that work to strengthen and improve the labour market, and encourage the success of immigrants into Canada.
Over half of HyLife Foods LP’s workforce is made up of newcomers to the country, according to a government release.
“I am beyond impressed by the initiative that HyLife Foods LP has taken in ensuring that such a significant portion of its workforce consists of immigrants,” Hussen said in the release. “Companies like HyLife Foods LP are role models for others and show how important the role of employers is in the lives of newcomers.”
HyLife’s efforts help these new staff members strengthen their employment skills and ultimately encourage successful settlement in their communities.
“HyLife Foods is honoured to accept the Employer Award for Newcomer Employment as nominated by Neepawa Settlement Services. We accept this award on behalf of all of our employees and on behalf of the communities we work in,” Jeremy Janzen, senior director of human resources for HyLife Limited, said in the release. “Being located in rural areas of western Canada we enjoy access to some of the best and brightest Canadians. We also have the opportunity to employ people at all levels from throughout the world.
“With the help of the Federal government including IRCC and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) as well as Manitoba's Provincial Nominee program and the Settlement Services offices we have the privilege of walking alongside these newcomers as they become permanent residents and citizens. HyLife is excited to be a part of Canada-building as we continue to grow the diversity of our workforce, business, and communities.”
Farms.com reached out to HyLife Foods LP to discuss the contributions that immigrant workers make to the agriculture industry.