BAC Members:
Federal Government vaccine mandate for truckers to proceed
Despite confusion, the federal government has confirmed that this vaccine mandate for cross border truckers will proceed. As of Saturday, January 15, unvaccinated or partly vaccinated Canadian truckers entering Canada will need to undertake COVID-19 testing and post-arrival quarantine. US drivers who are not fully vaccinated will be denied entry to the country.
ESDC suspends advertising requirements for LMIA applications in primary agriculture
Effective January 12, ESDC will suspend minimum advertising requirements for employers applying for an LMIA to hire temporary foreign workers (TFW) in primary agriculture. This measure, which excludes processing, will be in effect for applications submitted to Service Canada on or before June 30, 2022. FBC-ABC has reached out to ESDC for clarification as to why food and beverage processing has been excluded from this.
ESDC increases TFW CAP for Quebec food and beverage manufacturers
As of January 10, 2022, and until December 31, 2024, Quebec employers in certain sectors, including food and beverage manufacturing, will have a 20% cap on the number of TFW in low-wage positions. Currently the TFW cap for food and beverage manufacturers is set at 10% or 20%. The food and beverage manufacturing sector has been asking for a temporary increase in the low-wage cap to 30% for all food and beverage manufacturers across the country.
La Presse article with comments from the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food on the TFW program
On January 12, a La Presse (French only) article featuring the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food stated the federal government would be implementing a Trusted Employer System very soon. FBC-ABC has reached out to Agriculture and Agri-food Canada and ESDC but has received no response on requests for confirmation and clarity.
House of Commons Finance Committee to study inflation
On January 17, the House of Commons Finance Committee will begin a study of inflation in the current Canadian economy. This study is set to look at issues surrounding food inflation, and repatriating supply chains for strategic goods. Committee members must submit witness names by end of day on January 17. FBC-ABC will be looking to participate in the context of the impact of labour shortages.