The federal government has launched a pilot program to give migrant farm workers a pathway to permanent residence as a partial solution to the agriculture industry’s chronic labour shortages.The program marks a new beginning for foreign farm workers, who, usually with little formal education, have had limited opportunities to stay in Canada for failing to meet the requirements of the country’s economic immigration programs that are designed to attract highly educated and skilled professionals. The Agri-Food Immigration Pilot announced Friday is open to those who work year-round in meat processing, mushroom and greenhouse crop production and raising livestock. However, to be eligible for permanent residence, they must have 12 months of full-time experience in those areas, enough English or French proficiency to take part in short everyday conversations, a high school education and a job offer.Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen said the agricultural industry is an important contributor to Canada’s economic growth, supporting one in eight jobs across the country. Last year, agricultural exports hit a new record, reaching $66.2 billion.“This pilot is another example of how immigration is helping to grow local economies and creating jobs for Canadians,” said Hussen.“We are delivering on something that employers, unions and migrant workers have been calling on government to do for over a decade — temporary foreign workers who come to this country and work hard filling permanent jobs should have a fair and reasonable chance to become a Canadian regardless of the job they are filling,” added Rodger Cuzner, parliamentary secretary to the Employment and Labour Minister.Read more:Migrant farm workers victorious in legal battle against recruiter B.C., migrant farm workers push themselves to get perfect blueberries to your plateLeamington is at the frontlines of the boom in migrant workers. Here’s how it’s changedThe ...
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