Temporary farm workers not yet exempt from travel ban

Photo: Contributed

Orchardists and farm owners across the Okanagan are looking for answers and clarity from the federal government around the temporary farm worker program.

As Canada closes its borders to all non-essential travel in an attempt to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, it was hoped temporary foreign farm workers would be exempt.

However, Glen Lucas, general manager of the BC Fruit Growers' Association said Thursday morning they received some misinformation regarding that announcement.

"We believed foreign workers would be permitted, but in fact it was just workers coming from the U.S. into Canada," said Lucas.

A majority of temporary workers who help pick fruit and tend to fields and crops typically come from Mexico, Jamaica and other Central American countries.

Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola MP Dan Albas says the farm industry needs clarity on the temporary farm worker program from the federal government.

"We are continuing to press for answers, but what we have been getting is conflicting and incorrect information," Albas told Castanet News.

Albas sent a letter to several federal ministers earlier this week seeking answers.

In part, it read:

"With the federal government’s announcement today that Canada’s borders will be closing on March 18th to the majority of non-Canadian travelers, we are receiving questions regarding how this decision will impact the Temporary Foreign Worker and Seasonal Agriculture Worker programs.

"Given many Canadian businesses depend on these programs, especially in the agricultural sector, to ensure their continued operation we are seeking an urgent update. Will the Temporary Foreign Worker and Seasonal Agriculture Worker programs be suspended this year? Will visa holders be denied entry to Canada or will an exemption be made? When will businesses receive additional information? In the event these programs are suspended, what additional supports will be made available to impacted businesses?"

Albas says he has yet to receive a formal response. He says farmers need to know definitively one way or another so they can plan for the upcoming season.

"Farms are not like regular businesses that can be put on hold," he says. They are Canada's original small business."

Lucas says a suspension of the program would leave farmers and orchardists scrambling to find people to do the work.

"It would have a serious impact on the food supply," said Lucas.

He said those most desperate for help are field crop farmers who are starting to get their fields ready for carrots, corn, potatoes and other vegetables.

Cherry picking season is also set to begin near the end of June.