08 May 2020 – Governments of Canada and Ontario invest $2.25 million to protect agri-food workers

Type of Intervention: Financial and Economic
Sectors Involved: Finance/Economy, Supply Chains
Intervention Categories: Finance policy and financial aid; Stimulus packages and financial support
Level of Jurisdiction: Ontario
Lead People/Agency: Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
Ernie Hardeman, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs,
Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development

Overview: The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing $2.25 million in provincially licensed meat processing plants with the aim of offering better protection for employees and ensuring the continuation of the food supply chain during the pandemic. Funding will be used to implement COVID-19 health and safety measures within plants, including purchasing appropriate PPE and redesigning workstations.
Full details here: https://news.ontario.ca/omafra/en/2020/05/canada-and-ontario-take-additional-steps-to-protect-agri-food-workers-during-covid-19.html

Type of Justification: Offering support
Source of Evidence or Justification: Sub-national, government
Evidence/Justification: This investment is justified by the essential service that the agri-food sector provides for maintaining Ontario’s supply of healthy products for consumers, especially during the pandemic. The importance of providing support and protection for these essential workers during this time is cited as critical evidence for the implementation of this action.