TORONTO — The governments of Canada and Ontario are creating the Labour Force Management Strategies Initiative to attract and retain Ontario agri-food workers. Funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), this $4 million investment will strengthen Ontario’s agri-food workforce for years to come.
“As Ontario’s agri-food sector continues to grow, it’s vitally important that folks have skilled workers to get the job done,” said the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “Through the Labour Force Management Strategies Initiative, we can help the sector attract and retain the talent they need.”
The initiative will help fund job training and new recruitment marketing campaigns, introduce new worker supports such as ridesharing programs and language training and support the planning of on-site amenities and recreational facilities.
“We have heard loud and clear from Ontario’s agribusiness champion processors that continued access to skilled labour is crucial to their long-term growth,” said Rob Flack, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “We will continue supporting our agribusinesses in recruiting and retaining talent and reinforcing worker skills to sow the seeds of long-term competitiveness.”