CPMA and FVGC Affirm Commitment to Worker Protections in Response to UN Report
The Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada (FVGC) and the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) are responding to the recent report by the UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery by reaffirming their commitment to the fair and respectful treatment of Canada's seasonal and temporary farm workers.
Canadian agriculture and agri-food generated $150 billion of Canada's gross domestic product in 2023, accounting for approximately 7% of the national GDP. This sector is crucial to the well-being of Canadians in both rural and urban areas. However, agriculture faces a chronic and increasing labor and skills shortage, particularly in the fresh fruit and vegetable sector.
The most recent statistics from the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) identified over 28,200 jobs that went unfilled in Canada's agriculture sector, resulting in $3.5 billion in lost revenues. Despite the sector's efforts, these unfilled positions persisted even as Canada brought in over 66,000 temporary foreign workers to fill vacancies across various agricultural occupations. The fruit and vegetable sector remains highly dependent on the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP), with these programs accounting for a significant portion of the workforce.
"Over the years, these programs have evolved significantly, incorporating feedback and addressing concerns raised by various stakeholders," says Marcus Janzen, President of FVGC. "Our priority is ensuring all workers are treated fairly and respectfully. Their critical role in securing Canada's food supply cannot be overstated."
"In addition to the enhanced mobility, new federal regulations introduced in 2022 have strengthened protections against reprisals for workers who report unsatisfactory conditions. A 24-hour multilingual government hotline, established in 2021, offers direct support to workers, ensuring they have access to the assistance they need."
"The well-being and safety of seasonal and temporary foreign workers remain our top priority," adds Ron Lemaire, CPMA President. "The entire supply chain is committed to our ongoing efforts with government and allied partners to ensure these programs meet the highest standards. The sustainability of Canada's fresh produce sector and our food security depend on it."
For more information:
Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada
Ashley Peyrard 
Communications Manager
Phone: 613-226-4880 ext. 209
Email: [email protected]
fvgc.ca
Canadian Produce Marketing Association
Micken Kokonya 
Manager, Communications and Market Research
Cell: 613-878-3312
Email: [email protected]
cpma.ca