Governments helping Ontario meat processors protect workers

May 12, 2020, Woodstock, Ont. – The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing $2.25 million in provincially licensed meat processing plants to better protect employees and ensure the continued supply of healthy products for consumers during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the first stream of the Agri-food Workplace Protection Program will provide funding to implement COVID-19 health and safety measures in provincially licensed meat plants, including purchasing additional personal protective equipment, redesigning workstations, supporting employees who require mandatory isolation, and worksite mobility and transportation.

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) will begin accepting applications on May 12, 2020, and will expedite the approval process to get the necessary support to the agri-food sector faster. Eligible applications will be received and assessed on a continuous basis, while funding is available.

“We are tremendously grateful to our meat processors who are providing an essential service to put food on our tables during this unprecedented time,” said federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau. “The health and safety of these individuals on the frontlines is paramount. The funding announced today will help Ontario meat businesses with the costs of implementing the measures that follow the best public health guidance.”

“Our meat processors and their hard-working employees play a critical role in keeping our entire food supply chain safe and strong, while supplying us with fresh, high-quality, and nutritious food,” said Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Minister Ernie Hardeman.

“Today’s announcement is an important step in keeping our essential workers healthy and safe during COVID-19 and beyond.”
More information on the targeted intake and the program guidelines can be found online or by calling 1-877-424-1300.