National Workforce Strategic Framework for Agriculture and Food & Beverage Manufacturing
Interim Report December 6, 2022
Labour is one of the most serious issues facing Canada’s agri-food sector. Chronic labour shortages and serious skills gaps undermine Canada’s ability to maintain current levels of food production. This in turn is threatening local food security and weakening the sector’s future economic development and trade growth. Today, food and beverage manufacturing – Canada’s largest manufacturing employer – is estimated to be short 20 per cent of its workforce, a situation that was exacerbated during the pandemic and is expected to worsen in the coming years.
The 27 page report highlights five key “pillars” to deal with labour shortages:
Increase perception and awareness of the industry.
Improve workplace culture.
Improve public acceptance and the processes for immigration and foreign workers.
Skill development.
Automation and technology.
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Yet if they were short anything else, from equipment to seeds to fuel they would just accept they have to pay more to get the supplies. There's currently a severe shortage of gasoline at 80c/L but there is a huge surplus at $2/L. Purchasing departments understand more money solves most shortages why don't human resources departments?