The smoke blanketing the southern half of BC over the past week from fires in Washington and Oregon is another blow to apple growers hoping for a good crop in the face of low prices and a labour shortage. “The sunny days and cool nights we had earlier in the month are what helps the …
SAWP
SAWP requirements waived
With the scramble for harvest labour continuing across BC, many growers are looking ahead to what the next season holds. To address the issues associated with labour, Ottawa is now accepting applications from employers for seasonal workers required in 2021. The minimum recruitment requirements for several occupations have been waived to improve employers’ access to …
Ottawa announces new rules for foreign workers
BC is awaiting details of federal plans to develop mandatory requirements for seasonal worker accommodations provided by farmers as well as a stronger inspection regime. The initiative of Employment and Social Development Canada was announced July 31 by Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion minister and Delta MP Carla Qualtrough and federal agriculture minister Marie-Claude …
Mexico sticks with BC
Mexico’s decision to withhold seasonal workers from Canada will have a minimal effect on BC farms, according to both the province and industry. The decision was widely reported on June 15, and affects workers arriving in Canada under the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program. Mexico quickly issued a clarification that the measure only affects farms where …
SAWP prepares for 2020
Ottawa began accepting applications this week from employers seeking workers through the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program for 2020. Employment and Social Development Canada is taking applications for workers arriving between January and March 2020. The move aims to help employers avoid delays securing workers, a particular challenge last year for farms hiring workers from Mexico. …
Speculation tax a concern
BC farms that employ seasonal workers have received greater clarity regarding the impact the province’s speculation and vacancy tax could have on their operations. Responding to questions from the Western Agriculture Labour Initiative, BC Ministry of Finance staff clarified the terms under which worker housing might be subject to the tax. The clarification says that …