Trudeau government gives $1,500 in coronavirus aid to each temporary foreign worker

Farmers and food processors in Canada will be receiving $50 million in federal funding to make sure that temporary foreign workers are able to comply with the mandatory coronavirus quarantine, according to The Canadian Press.

Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau announced the federally funded money on Monday and added that the foreign workers are essential in Canada’s food supply.

Thousands of temporary foreign workers are necessary for things like planting crops and working in processing plants. As part of the public health initiatives in place to fight the spread of coronavirus, workers are required to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival to Canada.

MP Dan Albas, Shadow Minister for Employment, Workforce Development & Disability Inclusion told The Post Millennial, "Almost six million Canadians have lost their jobs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  While a number of employers are making efforts to ensure that Canadians are being hired first, the government must ensure that these workers are made aware of job openings in their area."

"We recognize that there will still be areas where Temporary Foreign Workers and Seasonal Agricultural Workers are required to keep our supply chains moving."

"The government must ensure that all foreign workers are tested for COVID-19 upon arrival in Canada and that they self-isolate for 14 days. While we appreciate there may be certain circumstances where employers require assistance to facilitate this, the government must not disadvantage Canadians from getting these jobs by using taxpayer dollars to subsidize foreign workers."

Bibeau noted that the money is being provided because of the costs businesses will see rise as workers quarantine and are unable to perform the work for which they were hired.

She added that $1,500 per worker is available to balance out their salaries and provide proper accommodation for the 14 days.