Agricultural operations can receive up to $15,000 to upgrade worker accommodations
Prince Edward Island has announced the launch of a grant program aimed at supporting agricultural operations to make improvements to accommodations designated for temporary foreign workers.
The government said in a news release on Thursday that it is offering up to $15,000 in grants through the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) in Agriculture Housing Improvement Program.
This funding is intended to cover expenses for upgrades and maintenance that will improve living conditions for TFWs, according to the release. Eligible expenses include enhanced ventilation, bathroom and laundry facilities, internet and phone access for international communications, heat pump installations, general upkeep, and critical repairs to utilities and safety equipment.
In a statement about the program, Deputy Premier and Agriculture Minister Bloyce Thompson highlighted the role of the agriculture sector in bolstering the local economy, as well as the importance of integrating TFWs into the workforce.
“P.E.I.’s agriculture industry is a driving force for our local economy, and welcoming TFWs to our workforce is an important part of making sure our industry and communities continue to thrive,” said Thompson. “This new program is a great first step that achieves a goal outlined in our provincial mandate, and ultimately supports our industry and our workforce.”
The federal government is limiting the use of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) to those who absolutely cannot find Canadians who can fill job openings.
Opposition criticises ‘glaring lack of action’ in TFW protections
P.E.I.’s new grant program comes amidst criticism of the government receives for its delayed proclamation of the Temporary Foreign Worker Protection Act.
The act was passed by the provincial legislature in 2022 but has not been officially proclaimed into law.
During Thursday’s legislative assembly session, Liberal MLA Gord McNeilly voiced concerns over the prolonged wait, calling it a “glaring lack of action” on the part of government.
McNeilly said the act holds the potential to provide “much-needed protection” for the TFWs that currently make up around 40% of the province’s agricultural workforce.
“As we approach the agricultural season, with farmers eagerly anticipating the arrival of foreign temporary workers, there has been an unreasonable delay of two years,” he said. “When can we expect this act to be proclaimed?”
Jenn Redmond, PEI’s workforce minister, responded to McNeilly and said the proclamation of the act “will be coming in a phased approach.”
“This will include creating various educational resources on worker rights, living and working here on PEI, into multiple languages,” she said. “We’ll continue the work to support that act.”
Redmond also mentioned forthcoming licensing requirements for recruiters of TFWs as part of the act’s phased proclamation.
“That’ll be happening this year,” she said.
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