The federal government is providing $50 million to help farmers, fish harvesters, and all food production and processing employers put in place the measures necessary to follow the mandatory 14-day isolation period required of all workers arriving from abroad.

The Government of Canada has granted an exemption for temporary foreign workers from travel restrictions to Canada, along with other foreigners with student and work visas.

“I would like to thank farmers, food processing plant workers, truckers, inspectors, grocers, food bank volunteers and all those who are helping to provide us with quality and affordable food,” said Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

The government will provide support of $1,500 for each temporary foreign worker, to employers or those working with them to ensure requirements are fully met. The funding is conditional on employers not being found in violation of the mandatory 14-day isolation protocols or any other public health order.

This program will be available as long as the Quarantine Act is in force and the isolation protocol is followed.