Canada continues to invest in the safety of workers at meatpacking plants

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused major disruption to Canada's food system while demonstrating the need for more diversified food processing capacity. As a result, Canadian livestock farmers and meat processors have taken unexpected and exceptional health and safety measures during the pandemic. The Government of Canada is helping meat processors invest in safety measures to protect their workers and in facility upgrades that strengthen Canada's food supply.

On behalf of Secretary of State for Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibaud, Parliamentary Secretary Neil Ellis and Kitchener-Conestoga MP Tim Louis provided support of up to $12.2 million through the Ontario Processing Companies Emergency Support Fund. With this funding, recipients take steps to keep employees safe. The fund also supports the modernization of production facilities and the purchase of new equipment to help increase production capacity.

Neil Ellis, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has created many challenges for the food industry, in particular for meat processors of all sizes. Through this investment, we are helping meat producers here in Ontario keep their workers safe so they can continue to deliver quality meat products to our grocery shelves. We are also supporting projects that increase production capacity so we can strengthen Canada's food supply and grow this important industry."

The Government of Canada will continue to work with food processors to protect the health and well-being of food processor workers across Canada and strengthen the food supply chain.

Projects funded through the Emergency Processing Fund have helped Ontario meat processors adapt to the impact of COVID-19, keep their employees safe, and maximize production at their facilities. This funding has had a positive impact on the entire agri-food supply chain, from butchers to larger meat processors, as the sector works hard to ensure that quality products are available to consumers.