Ottawa has launched consultations on its agricultural labour strategy.
Online consultation is open until Sept. 28 as the federal government seeks to address the chronic workforce challenges in the sector.
The government said it is looking for input on recommendations for short- and long-term solutions that will help the sector attract a skilled workforce. Its efforts are intended to complement those already undertaken, such as the national workforce strategic plan developed by the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council and industry players.
The process will include the provinces and territories, employers, unions, underrepresented groups, workers and other key groups to make sure unique needs are addressed.
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The focus areas include automation and technology, targeted skills development and training, employment incentives and best practices, improved working conditions and benefits, and programs to recruit and retain workers, said a news release announcing the consultation.
“As everyone is looking to Canada to increase its contribution to global food security, our agriculture and agri-food sector is facing a severe labour shortage that prevents it from reaching its full potential. I encourage all stakeholders to take part in these consultations, through which our government wishes to foster the significant engagement of the industry and ensure that together we put in place effective and sustainable solutions,” said agriculture minister Marie-Claude Bibeau.
Canadian Federation of Agriculture president Mary Robinson said the consultations along with the workforce strategy would create pragmatic solutions for the labour issues all along the food supply chain.
In 2020 the system employed 2.1 million people, accounting for one in nine Canadian jobs.
To participate in the online survey visit https://bit.ly/3btNF5y.
