(Sollio Co-operative Group video screengrab via YouTube)

Resource-rich Canada grapples with key labour issues

From agriculture to the oilpatch, lack of labour is driving up wages

Canada’s economic recovery from the pandemic is being hampered by labour shortages across industries ranging from energy to aviation to agriculture, forcing companies to consider multiple salary hikes and offer other perks. Statistics Canada data Nov. 5 showed the national unemployment rate hit a 20-month low in October. The shortage of skilled and unskilled workers […] Read more

Farm families have been challenged juggling schooling at home, with farm work.

Farm sector part of emergency child care extension

The programs support families where students are learning remotely

Farmers and those who support the food and agriculture product supply chains now qualify for a no-cost child care program. As of Jan. 27, the program will be open to a new list of workers along with several other categories, in addition to other essential workers who were previously eligible. The program aims to help […] Read more


The importance of being clear with employees when hiring

The importance of being clear with employees when hiring

Discuss opportunities, but also realities of the job

The agri-food sector is experiencing a shift — economically, socially and technologically. Career opportunities are increasing and a change in skills demand is shaping the next generation. Employers must understand the expectations of new farm hires and how to address them in order to attract dependable workers. While agriculture and local food may intrigue today’s […] Read more

Collaboration between producer groups and government is necessary to protect farm workers.

Strategy created for 2021 planting worker protection

The government and industry collaborated on the detailed strategy for farm workers

The Ontario horticulture sector has been the hardest hit of agriculture sectors by COVID-19, but it has a plan in place to help reduce risk from the virus when foreign workers arrive for 2021 planting. OMAFRA and producer groups came together to create a 35-point plan that outlines areas of responsibility and direction to help […] Read more