OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced the federal government is providing $252 million in new federal assistance for Canadian farmers and others in the agri-food sector whose livelihoods have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, to help redistribute food and better protect workers in processing plants.
Though, already, some industry stakeholders are saying this new funding falls “well short” of what’s needed.
As part of this the government will be spending: $77.5 million to help food processors purchase protective equipment for workers, adapt to health protocols like physical distancing and expand domestic processing capacity to increase the amount of food made in Canada;
$125 million to help cattle and hog producers who are raising more animals than can currently be processed because of COVID-19 and as a result are seeing their costs increase because they are keeping these animals longer; and
$50 million on a food surplus purchasing program that will see the government buy large quantities of surplus products and redistribute them to areas where food insecurity is an issue, to avoid throwing out food and to allow the producers to still be compensated.
In addition to this the government says it intends to increase the Canadian Dairy Commission’s borrowing limit by $200 million to cover costs related to having to store excess cheese and butter, though this initiative will need legislation to implement and talks are beginning with opposition parties on moving ahead with a new emergency aid bill to make that happen.
Among the challenges for those working to feed Canadians are changing demands due to many restaurants being closed, having the staff to work the current planting season, and the closures of some processing plants due to COVID-19 outbreaks leading to reduced production and other supply issues.
The government says it is also working with provinces and territories to increase payments to producers who face revenue declines, up to 75 percent from the current 50 percent, as well as possibly expanding an insurance program to protect against lost production due to not having enough workers.
“It is not a perfect situation by any stretch. But we’re doing what we can to try and make sure that people are rewarded for their hard work, and that others aren’t going hungry,” Trudeau said in making the announcement from Rideau Cottage.
Thanking those who are working to ensure grocery shelves are stocked, the prime minister said that Canadians are spending more time in the kitchen, whether “trying to make sourdough” or cooking for an elderly neighbour.
“These days especially, cooking and baking is about more than nourishment. It’s also about relieving stress, finding a community, supporting each other, and creating memories. You help make that possible,” Trudeau said. “This is an initial investment and if we need to add more, we will.”
Source: ctvnews.ca
