UFCW efforts in Ottawa result in further gains for migrant agri-food workers

Ottawa – February 13, 2024 – As a result of UFCW Canada’s continued advocacy, the federal government has announced changes to the Agri-Food Pilot to make it more accessible to migrant agri-food workers, including removing the mandatory job offer requirement in some cases. This allows for the union to be the main support through which workers obtain permanent residency in these cases, reducing the dependency on employers’ good will.

Canada's federal Agri-Food Pilot is the direct result of UFCW Canada's political action and legislative efforts. Launched in May 2020, the pilot helps provides opportunities for experienced workers in agricultural and food industries to achieve Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada. The Agri-Food Pilot includes workers in industries such as meat product manufacturing, greenhouse production, and other food manufacturing and food processing. 

UFCW Canada fought for many years for a pathway to permanent residency for migrant workers. This pilot is a crucial support for migrant workers, as it allows them the opportunity to build a life here in Canada, if they so choose.

Since the program was launched, UFCW has been working in Ottawa to make it more accessible to migrant agrifood workers, who are particularly vulnerable to employer abuse and exploitation as UFCW Canada documented in a report released last month. Last year, after UFCW lobbying, the pilot program was expanded to allow for unions to attest to work experience in an alternative to an employer reference letter.

We are pleased to report that UFCW’s efforts have resulted in additional new changes to the pilot program announced by the federal government this week.

There are two new changes to the pilot program announced. As of February 10, work experienced gained under an open work permit for vulnerable foreign workers will be counted towards the work experience requirement. The second new crucial change is that applicants will need either a job offer or a high school diploma, not both.

By removing the job offer requirement, this allows for a pathway to permanent residency with only the union’s support. Irresponsible employers have been known to exploit the job offer requirement for vulnerable workers, and this change allows for our union to support our migrant members through the process. This is a significant victory for the union as it is an important recognition from the federal government of the necessary changes to the pilot program for which UFCW Canada has been advocating.

Since the start of the program, UFCW Canada’s Migrant Members Support Program has been assisting local unions in guiding migrant workers through the Agri-Food Pilot permanent residency process. UFCW Canada is committed to helping our members in these industries achieve permanent residency if they qualify for the pilot.