New funding will help not-for-profits and municipalities provide additional supports for agri-food workers
The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $1.5 million over four years to create a more welcoming environment for international agri-food workers (IAWs) who work in Ontario's $51 billion agri-food sector and provide them with stronger supports during their stay here. These include translation supports, expanding or introducing transportation services, and supporting cultural and recreational activities.
The IAW Welcoming Communities Initiative, funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), builds on the Virtual Welcome Centre launched in 2023, a webpage of resources for IAWs available in English, Spanish and French. It includes information about worker rights and responsibilities, adjusting to life here, and living and working safely in the community.
The IAW Welcoming Communities Initiative intake will be open from October 8, 2024 to November 19, 2024. Successful applicants can receive up to 75% in cost-share funding per application, up to a maximum of $100,000. Applications demonstrating financial need may be eligible for more cost-share funding. The initiative guidelines are available online. Eligible organizations and municipalities can apply to implement activities and project collaborations with other organizations (for example faith-based, for-profit, community health centres, etc.) that support the attraction and retention of IAWs, improve their access to community services, and promote their independence.
The Sustainable CAP is a 5-year (2023-2028), $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada's agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5 billion commitment that is cost-shared 60% federally and 40% provincially/territorially for programs designed and delivered by the provinces and territories.
