14 May 2020 – $2.25 million to help farmers enhance health and safety measures

Type of Intervention: Financial and Economic
Sectors Involved: Supply Chains
Intervention Categories: Finance policy and financial aid; Stimulus packages and financial support
Level of Jurisdiction: Ontario
Lead People/Agency: Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

Overview: The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing $2.25 million to assist farmers in protecting their employees to ensure a continued supply of healthy food to consumers during COVID-19. Through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, these governments are launching a second intake of the Agri-food Workplace Protection Program to enhance health and safety measures for farmers and their employees. This funding will be used for initiatives like purchasing PPE, reworking workstations, and enhancing cleaning and disinfection. It will also be used to support farmers who experience unexpected costs for housing and transportation as a result of a COVID-19 outbreak among their employees.
Full details here: https://news.ontario.ca/omafra/en/2020/05/canada-and-ontario-take-steps-to-further-protect-farm-workers.html

Other links: 1 2
Type of Justification: Advice of INTERNAL government advisory committee or group
Evidence/Justification: This action supports existing projects that have been continuously implemented through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. The government explains this specific action as a means to support farmers in their critical role in keeping the food supply chain strong and to keep essential workers healthy and safe. There are no evidence sources provided.