BAC Members:
Minister of Labour, Seamus O’Regan issues statement regarding a potential rail strike
On March 16, Minister O’Regan issued a statement encouraging Canadian Pacific Railway and Teamsters Canada Rail Conference to consider making the compromises necessary to reach a deal and avoid a work stoppage. The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service continues to work with them to help them reach an agreement.
Canada launches new temporary residence pathway to welcome those fleeing the war in Ukraine
On March 17, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Sean Fraser, announced a special, accelerated temporary residence pathway for Ukrainians seeking safe haven in Canada. With the new Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET), Ukrainians and their immediate family members may stay in Canada as temporary residents for up to 3 years. Applicants are encouraged to apply for a 3-year open work permit at the same time as their visa application.
Ontario investing $25M to increase food processing capacity
On March 16, the Government of Ontario announced it is investing up to $25M over two years to build up the province’s food processing capacity through the new Strategic Agri-Food Processing Fund Program, which was announced in the 2021 Fall Economic Statement. Agri-food businesses are eligible for up to $3M in cost-share funding to either build new processing facilities, expand or modernize existing facilities and adopt new innovative technologies to improve current operations.
Launch of the Atlantic Immigration Program to drive economic growth and attract skilled workers
On March 4, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Sean Fraser, announced that applications for the permanent Atlantic Immigration Program would launch on March 6, 2022. Candidates with a valid endorsement from an Atlantic Canadian business will now be able to submit applications for permanent residence under the new permanent program.
Health Canada to host stakeholder meeting on Front-of-package labelling
On March 22, the Food Directorate will host a virtual embargoed engagement session on its plan to finalize front-of-package labelling regulations. The purpose of the meeting will be to provide an overview of what they heard from the Canada Gazette, Part I consultations and their responses to those concerns. FBC-ABC will be participating.
Government of Canada publishes report on labour exploitation in global supply chains
On March 11, Minister O’Regan released the Labour Exploitation in Global Supply Chains: What We Heard Report. Stakeholders are invited to review the report and share any additional feedback by April 8, 2022.
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Marie-Claude Bibeau launches a new support program for processors of Canada’s supply-managed commodities
On March 9, Minister Bibeau announced the launch of the Supply Management Processing Investment Fund, worth $292.5M, to help processors of supply-managed commodities increase their competitiveness and resilience in the face of evolving markets. Through this program, processors of supply-managed commodities will have access to funding to improve their productivity and efficiency through investments in new automated equipment and technology.
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Marie-Claude Bibeau appears before House Agriculture and Agri-Food Committee
Minister Bibeau is scheduled to appear before the House Agriculture and Agri-Food Committee this upcoming Monday to speak to supplementary estimates. The Minister will be joined by representatives from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food. FBC-ABC will monitor, and anticipates that the Minister will be asked questions about our Emergency Foreign Worker Program proposal.
Federal Budget 2022
FBC-ABC is pleased to have had the opportunity to participate in the Department of Finance’s consultations in advance of Federal Budget 2022. The recommendations in our submission take into consideration the debilitating workforce crisis being faced by the food and beverage manufacturing sector, with vacancy rates averaging 25%. Although no date for the Federal Budget has been announced, it is our understanding we could expect it the first week of April.