Opportunities for Public Input

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If you are interested in learning more or providing feedback, please contact sjeffery@southhuron.ca.

Overview

The Municipality of South Huron, in partnership with Huron County Immigration Partnership, has been approved for funding (75% or total project costs) under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) - International Agri-food Workers Welcoming Communities Initiative for the Strengthening the Agri-food Sector in South Huron through International Agri-food Worker Integration project.

This project will aim to strengthen the agri-food sector in South Huron through the further integration of international agri-food workers in our communities, with a focus on retaining and integrating international workers and community capacity building.

Contacts

Stacey Jeffery, Community Relations Manager

Partners

Huron County Immigration Partnership

Project Status:

In progress

Project Approval

With grant funding support (75% of total project costs) from Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership (CAP), the Municipality of South Huron and the Huron County Immigration Partnership are proceeding with the implementation of the project. The goal of the project is to integrate international agri-food workers in our communities further, with a focus on retaining and integrating international workers and community capacity building and training, to strengthen the agri-food sector in South Huron.

Project Background

Agri-food is a complex system of interconnected activities and actors involved in getting food from field to fork, including primary agriculture and food processors.

In 2022 and 2023, 1,355 work permit holders under the Temporary Foreign Workers Program (TFWP) and International Mobility Program (IMP) were identified in Huron County (IRCC data). The Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting sector, including the Agri-food sector in Huron County is the top industry among immigrants, recent immigrants (2016-2021) and non-permanent residents, according to the 2021 Statistics Canada census data for Huron County. In the Municipality of South Huron (South Huron), a number of agri-food employers support our rural economy.

International workers play a crucial role in maintaining a stable economy by filling labour gaps in key industries, supporting economic growth, and ensuring the continuity of essential services and production, particularly in sectors with persistent workforce shortages. The agri-food industry across Huron County and in South Huron rely on employing international workers to support their operations. The importance of international workers and their role in a stable agri-food economy in South Huron demonstrates a fundamental need for efforts to further integrate international workers into our communities, to overall strengthen our rural economy.

Understanding the number of temporary foreign workers (TFW) supporting the agricultural industry within South Huron is identified as a gap in existing data. According to the 2021 Statistics Canada census data for Huron County, the top industry among immigrants, recent immigrants (2016-2021) and non-permanent
residents is Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting. Statistics Canada census data for 2021 indicates that a total of 775 immigrants and 65 Non-permanent residents live in South Huron, however, it is important to note that TFW are not represented in this data. Within South Huron, TFWs support large agri-food producers and play a vital role in supporting the South Huron rural economy.

With the information noted above, the Municipality of South Huron, in partnership with Huron County Immigration Partnership submitted an application to the Sustainable CAP program and was successful in receiving funding for this project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership?

The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is a new $3.5-billion, 5-year agreement (April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2028), between the federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of the agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector. The agreement includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and $2.5 billion in cost-shared programs and activities funded by federal, provincial and territorial governments.

What is the timeline of the project?

The Strengthening the Agri-food Sector in South Huron through International Agri-food Worker Integration project will begin mid-2025 and must conclude December 31, 2026, as per the funding agreement.

What are the key deliverables of the project?

The following are the key deliverables of the project:

International agri-food workers survey (translated in 3 languages);
Two hosted community events;
Three part video series featuring local employers and international agri-food workers in the community;
Equity inclusion diversity (EDI) training session and resources for local service providers, businesses and community organizations.

How can I find out about updates regarding this project?

This page will be updated as more information is available.

Questions related to the project can be directed to the project contact, listed at the top of the page.

Documents and Reports

Staff Report CR-08-2024 - International Agri-Food Workers (IAW) Welcoming Communities Initiative