For now, temporary foreign workers travelling to Canada won’t need to quarantine in a government supervised hotel when they get here, but by mid-March, Ottawa will put more stringent measures in place. Starting Feb. 22, non-essential travellers and essential workers arriving in Canada will be tested upon their arrival. Non-essential travellers are required to stay […] Read more
Stories by Glacier FarmMedia
Ottawa needs to better communicate foreign worker strategy
Ottawa did right to ensure temporary foreign workers will be able to arrive in Canada despite stricter travel restrictions, but it needs to do a better job to make sure all provinces are on board. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Jan. 29 that flights to and from sunny destinations are suspended, but federal officials […] Read more
U.S. ag secretary ‘happy’ to work on WTO-compliant COOL
Country brought in first country-of-origin labelling legislation when Tom Vilsack was agriculture secretary under Obama
Tom Vilsack, U.S. president Joe Biden’s pick for agriculture secretary, says he will be happy to again advance country-of-origin labelling policies. During his Feb. 2 confirmation hearing of the Senate agricultural committee, Vilsack, who held the post during the entire Barack Obama administration, confirmed he is open to reintroducing COOL laws if they comply with […] Read more
Producers still have concerns about seasonal worker arrivals
Federal officials say it is too early to know if Canada will have an enough seasonal agricultural workers arriving this year. Producers continue to raise concerns over recently announced travel restrictions, despite assurances from Ottawa the changes won’t affect the flow of international labour needed on farms and in processing facilities. During a Feb. 3 […] Read more
CFA calls for continued support in next federal budget
Federal budget consultations are underway, with agricultural groups lobbying the government to support the industry in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. On Jan. 25, deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland launched pre-budget consultations with stakeholders. “We want to hear ideas from Canadians, from all walks of life, on how to restore strong […] Read more
U.S. ag secretary ‘happy’ to work on WTO-compliant COOL
Tom Vilsack, U.S. president Joe Biden’s pick for agriculture secretary, says he will be happy to again advance country-of-origin labelling policies. During his Feb. 2 confirmation hearing of the Senate agricultural committee, Vilsack, who held the post during the entire Barack Obama administration, confirmed he is open to reintroducing COOL laws if they comply with […] Read more
Tim Hortons continues egg program
Tim Hortons has extended its Egg Quality Assurance certification program with Egg Farmers of Canada. “We know Canadians value quality ingredients produced right here in Canada, and we are proud to partner with Tim Hortons to strengthen the connection between our farms and their menu items,” said Roger Pelissero, chair of Egg Farmers of Canada […] Read more
Travel restrictions won’t affect foreign workers: federal sources
New travel restrictions imposed on Canadians by the federal government won’t impact the arrival of temporary or seasonal foreign workers, according to sources. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Jan. 29 that Canada’s air carriers had agreed to suspend services to sunny destinations. Flights to tropical locations, like Mexico, are being cancelled by Air Canada, West […] Read more
Better agri-food benchmarking called for
Experts are calling for environmental targets to better position Canada in markets at home and abroad. Agri-Food Sustainability Targets is a report authored by David McInnes, who is working with Agriculture Canada, the Canadian Federation of Agriculture and others to advance efforts in creating environmental benchmarks for the industry. “What’s happening globally and nationally is […] Read more
Online series covers Hot Topics in Commodities
Prices and production information are the focus of the Hot Topics in Commodities series hosted by The Western Producer, Manitoba Co-operator, Grainews and Farmtario this winter. The free sessions each feature a look at market demand and fundamentals provided by MarketsFarm analysts as well as a presentation on a current production issue. Opportunities to earn […] Read more
