The federal government is launching a public consultation process on how to address the labour shortage in agriculture, a June 27 news release said. The consultations will solicit input to help inform the creation of a National Agricultural Labour Strategy.
“I encourage all stakeholders to take part in these consultations, through which our government wishes to foster the significant engagement of the industry and ensure that together we put in place effective and sustainable solutions,” Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal minister of agriculture and agri-food, said in the release.
The online consultation period runs from June 27 until Sept. 28. The release noted the process will seek input on recommendations to address chronic workforce challenges to build short- and long-term solutions that enable the agriculture sector to attract a skilled workforce.
A number of areas of focus have been identified, including the use of automation and technology, targeted skills development and training, employment incentives and best practices, improved working conditions and benefits; and programs to recruit and retain workers, the release said.
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