Guest worker flow to Canada increasing

Labor shortages are easing in Canada as the flow of guest agriculture workers is increasing, according to Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers.

“I would say we’re still slightly behind the numbers we should have in Canada at this point in the season, but (the number of workers) has been catching up,” said Justine Taylor, science and government relations manager for the Ontario grower group, Leamington.

Canada’s ag sector relies on about 60,000 guest workers, industry leaders have said.

The Canadian government on March 20 exempted foreign nationals who have committed to working in agriculture from the country’s COVID-19 travel ban. The Canadian Produce Marketing Association and 20 other groups had asked the prime minister to allow foreign agricultural workers to enter the country for seasonal work.

While ag workers are exempt from the travel ban, Taylor said in late April they are required to be isolated for 14 days when they arrive.

Taylor said growers are working with local health officials to enforce mandatory quarantines for workers who test positive for the virus.

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