NEWS RELEASE
MPP CHRISTINE ELLIOTT
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The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $1 million in new funding to connect workers with in-demand jobs in the agri-food sector to keep the nation’s supply chains strong and store shelves stocked during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“To support people and families in communities like Newmarket-Aurora during this unprecedented time, Ontario’s agri-food sector needs to operate at full capacity to keep store shelves full and food on kitchen tables,” said Christine Elliott, MPP for Newmarket-Aurora. “That’s why we’re helping connect people looking to make a difference during the COVID-19 outbreak with job opportunities in agriculture and agri-food.”
Through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (the Partnership), the federal and provincial governments will provide support that will help people connect with job opportunities in the sector quickly. This program will help primary agriculture, food processing companies and grocery retail to recruit and train workers who are important to keep the essential food supply chain functioning.
“This is a very labour-intensive sector. So, it is critical to attract more people to ensure our food supply chain continues to provide healthy and nutritious food to Ontario families during this COVID-19 outbreak,” said the Honourable Ernie Hardeman, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “Our government is doing everything possible to ensure we support our farmers and food processors to fill job vacancies, including the development of a new web portal connecting workers with employers.”
Through the Partnership’s Place to Grow: Agri-Food Innovation Initiative, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) will immediately accept applications and will expedite the approval process to help address sector labour concerns quickly. For more information, email: [email protected] or call: 1-877-424-1300.
Since June 2018, both the federal and provincial governments have committed support to approximately 2,500 projects, through the Partnership, to help eligible Ontario farmers, processors, businesses and sector organizations innovate and grow.
Quick Facts
- Eligible applications will be received and assessed on a continuous basis, while funding is available.
- This programming follows Ontario’s recent establishment of an online portal to help link agri-food sector employers with people interested in being a part of government’s response to COVID-19.
- OMAFRA delivers cost-share funding under the Place to Grow program.
- The Ontario agri-food sector supports more than 837,000 jobs in Ontario and contributes more than $47.5 billion each year to the province’s economy.
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