Canniff Calls for Clarification on Temporary Foreign Workers

Chatham-Kent’s mayor has a couple of questions about how the COVID-19 pandemic affects temporary foreign workers.

Darrin Canniff has sent a letter to Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs, Ernie Hardeman, asking for clarification on travel restrictions and how they would impact seasonal workers from areas like Mexico and Caribbean countries who work in Canada’s ag-industry.

“Unlike other industries that are able to halt production and ramp up later, agriculture is regimented by a strict schedule based on the weather and seasonal patterns,” Canniff says. “At this time, farmers are making decisions about planting crops and choosing if they are able to fill their fields and greenhouses. They are also signing contracts with producers and distributors worth billions of dollars; in Chatham-Kent alone, we have a $3 billion+ agricultural sector. We do not have the luxury of weeks or even days, we need your support for bringing these programs online now.”

Canniff says the Temporary Foreign Worker and Seasonal Agricultural Worker programs must be allowed to continue, however he fully supports any measures that keep people safe and our community protected.