We continue to receive regular updates from CFA in regards to COVID-19s impact on the agriculture industry in Canada.
Today we held a conference call with the Honourable Minister Colwell, Kody Blois, Member of Parliament for Kings – Hants, Member of Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food, as well as NSFA Council Executives and staff. This call was used to update the group on COVID-19 in Canada and discuss how we are committed to working together as a group through these difficult times. We will continue to have these calls once a day, every day, for the remainder of the week. We will reassess the frequency of these calls next week. The focus of our calls is currently mostly related to the challenges with foreign workers.
In addition to labour, we have been assured that concerns related to meat inspector availability have been addressed and precautions will be taken to ensure health and safety, while ensuring continuity of service.
Below you will find our survey regarding the impact COVID-19 is having on farm labour. If you access either the Temporary Foreign Worker program or the Seasonal Agricultural Worker program, I encourage you to take the time to fill out this survey. This survey will ensure we are able to better report the impact this border closure is having on farms in Nova Scotia.
Take time to call and check in on your friends, family and neighbours.
Stay safe,
Victor Oulton
President
Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture