AGRI - Parliamentary Context - AGRI Ministerial Appearance on the Government’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic - May 22, 2020

Background

The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and departmental officials have been invited to appear at the Standing Committee on Agriculture (AGRI) on Friday May 22, 2020, to support the committee’s study on the Canadian response to the COVID-19 pandemic with a focus on temporary foreign workers in the agricultural and agri-food sector. The Minister will appear from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. with three IRCC departmental officials and one ESDC official (2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.). The Minister will be provided a maximum of 7 minutes for his opening remarks at the beginning of the meeting.

The text of the motion from the AGRI meeting on May 8, 2020 inviting the Minister is as follows:

It was agreed, — That, with regard to the study on the Canadian response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chair, in consultation with the clerks and the analysts, assemble panels of witnesses for the committee’s upcoming meetings; that, to the extent possible, these panels be made up of witnesses suggested by the recognized parties for the following agricultural topics or industries: the dairy industry, the horticulture industry, agricultural labour and foreign workers, the livestock industry and small farm businesses; that, in addition to the previously scheduled appearance of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship be invited to appear for the “agricultural labour and foreign workers” topic; and that, depending on the circumstances, the changing situation and the places available on the panels, the committee be able to add some witnesses if necessary.

The following IRCC officials will support the Minister and remain to answer questions for the second hour of the meeting:

Marian Campbell-Jarvis, Assistant Deputy Minister of Strategic and Program Policy
Louis Dumas, a/Associate Assistant Deputy Minister of Operations
Matt de Vlieger, Director General, Immigration

The Minister and IRCC officials will be supported by the following ESDC official:

Jonathan Wallace, Executive Director, Temporary Foreign Worker Program

Ministerial correspondence

MP Peter Kent, MP John Barlow, and MP Albas (CPC)

March 16, 2020 – Given the announcement of the border closing on March 18, will the Temporary Foreign Worker and Seasonal Agriculture Worker programs be suspended this year? Will visa holders be denied entry to Canada or will an exemption be made? When will businesses receive additional information? In the event these programs are suspended, what additional supports will be made available to impacted businesses?

MP Richard Lehoux (CPC)

February 6, 2020 – Raised that local companies are seriously considering shutting down because they are unable to attract economic immigrants and temporary foreign workers, due to long processing delays and urged for automation of application processing.

MP Jenny Kwan (NDP)

April 8, 2020 – Open Letter re: Government Assistance in the COVID-19 Pandemic as Related to Immigration Processes
- Requested assurance that applying for or receiving CERB/CEWS has no negative future impact on any immigration-related processes such as inadmissibility, ineligibility to sponsor or continue to sponsor family members.
- Requested assurance that caregivers will not be penalized if employer is unable to pay for their services as a result of COVID-19.
April 7, 2020 - Open Letter: New Immigration Measures Needed During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Recommended automatic 6-month extension/renewal of temporary work permits and study visas until the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided.
- Recommended that all PR applications (including Humanitarian and Compassionate applicants) are expedited during this time so they have access to healthcare.
- Recommended the suspension of deportation orders.
April 6, 2020 – Requesting to help repatriate the 4 year old Canadian orphan currently in a Syrian refugee camp safely to Canada amid COVID-19
March 25, 2020 – Irregular migrants & asylum seekers & COVID-19 restrictions.

MP Christine Normandin (BQ)

Mar 13, 2020 – Coronavirus et travailleurs agricoles saisonniers
- Requested expediting work permit extension for Seasonal Agricultural Workers already residing in Québec.

Media and news

Recent media attention has been largely focused on:

Agricultural labour gaps left by migrant workers
Vulnerabilities faced by temporary foreign workers and immigrant workers
Border issues and Safe Third Country Agreement
- The Canada-U.S. border could be closed for another month
- Canada should welcome refugee claimants from Hong Kong
- Canada is releasing immigration detainees at ‘unprecedented’ rates amid COVID-19 fears
- Canada-U.S. border cracks open to asylum-seekers under new closure arrangement
- New Canada-U.S. border directive restores some asylum rules suspended by shutdown
- Some refugee claimants can now enter Canada
- Fewer than 10 asylum seekers tried to cross since border closure: Blair
Other vulnerable populations
- Welcome to the tent clinic where Toronto’s undocumented immigrants get medical care
- Many asylum seekers are now working, without citizenship status, inside of Quebec’s seniors residences
Other immigration topics
- IEC visa holders can now come to Canada
- commentary: The Liberals promised more immigration by 2021. Can that still happen?

Parliamentary committee meetings

Recent questions of interest at parliamentary committees include the following:

Standing Committee on Agriculture (AGRI):

May 15 - MP Rood (CPC) spoke of the importance of SAWs and TFWs. She mentioned that exemptions TFWs, which was done due to our party pushing the government. Low levels of TFWs and issues for processing of applications… What effect will this have on processing and fall?
May 15 - MP Perron (BQ) indicated that government officials said that 86% of TFWs have arrived, but in their opening remarks, the CHC listed much lower stats.
May 15 - MP Perron (BQ) continued by indicating that the federal government announced a help of $1.5k per TFW to farmers. He has heard comments that this is a max limit of money that is received.
May 15 - MP MacGregor (LPC) mentioned the different figures shared by CHC in their opening remarks than what the federal government provided. You indicated that the numbers are higher due to combining March and April numbers. Want to look at ways to address this problem. What is the main problem?
May 12 - LPC asked questions on the status of the TFWP. Minister Bibeau also received questions on adequacy of labour for harvest.
May 8 - MP Perron (BQ) had questions for all members of the second panel. He spoke with CTAQ about current delays with the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and about incentives to get students working on farms this summer.
May 5 - An LPC MP raised concerns about labour shortages and the need for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program to be more flexible during this time.
February 27 – MP Lehoux (CPC) raised the issue of better co-operation between the departments of Immigration and Agriculture.

Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic (COVI)

May 12 - In response to MP D'Entremont (CPC), the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard shared the various measures in place for processers and the assurance that CERB is available to seasonal workers.
May 12 - MP Masse (NDP) asked questions on measures for reopening the border, and on essential and non-essential travel. Minister Blair responded.
May 12 - MP Tochor (CPC) asked a question on spousal reunification. MP Blair responded on non-essential travel and asylum.
May 7 - Todd Doherty (CPC): Asked whether the Canada-US border agreement that will expire on May 20th will be renewed or modified. He also asked when the Government will inform the public of any changes to the agreement. Furthermore, he asked whether there are any discussions about opening up the border to certain forms of transportation while continuing to restrict others.
April 29 - MP Perron (BQ) raised the distress experienced on farms and by agricultural entrepreneurs. He indicated that simple things that can be done for temporary foreign workers, such as accelerating the processing of visas, automatic renewal of permits of workers already in Canada, providing them with open permits so that they may work everywhere, financial incentives to work on farms.
April 29 - MP O'Toole (CPC) indicated that recently, the Prime Minister closed borders, including Roxham Road, but has recently announced the allowance of resumed 'illegal migration'. He indicated that the border should be closed at 100% for national security reasons and that this goes against public health advice. He asked when the border will be closed 'for real'.
April 29 - MP O'Toole (CPC) said that the Minister would stop the crisis and asked if they will allow illegal crossings to continue.

Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA)

May 4 - Louise Chabot (BQ) asked what percentage of TFWs should return this year and how to facilitate their return.
May 4 - Jenny Kwan (NDP) remarked that TFWs who have expired Social Insurance Numbers have no recourse. She asked if people with expired SINs should be eligible for CERB. She states that IRCC is having difficulties processing work permit applications. She asked if work permits should automatically be extended and changed to open work permits. She also asked if the government should consider using ITNs to provide financial support to undocumented workers.

Standing on Industry, Science and Technology (INDU)

May 4 - MP Lianne Rood (CPC) spoke about shortages to seasonal agricultural workers and how the new Canada summer jobs stream would match student salaries to provide experience. When asked if they are supportive of this, stakeholders indicated yes because they are looking for labour. “Even with a full complement of foreign labour we are short.”

Standing Committee on Health (HESA)

May 5 - MP Davies (NDP) asked for the per bed cost of a public room as compared to a private room. He asked about federal support to meet housing requirements for TFW. He asked if ensuring health supplies were made in Canada was important.
May 5 - MP Jaczek (LPC) asked about the lack of consistency across Canada for protocols for temporary foreign workers. She wondered if there should be a stronger guidance role. She also asked about packaging flexibility.
May 5 - MP Jansen (CPC) asked about PPE rationing. She was concerned for farmers about lack of incentive to work on farms since students were being paid to stay home. Mr. Lemaire noted it might have an impact on seasonal workforce, but other incentives could help.

Standing Committee on National Finance (NFFN)

May 12 - Senator Boehm (ISG) opened by underscoring the struggles of international students.
May 12 - Senator Harder (NA) noted that there are 380,000 foreign students in Canada and that they are significant contributors to the universities. Senator Harder believes that foreign students should be eligible for more support. He asked if the Department of Finance was working to expand benefits to them.
May 12 - Senator Harder reiterated his comments on international students from the first half of the meeting. He asked ESDC officials if the Government will work with universities to further support international students. Then, he suggested that ESDC provide NFFN with certain benchmarks on the development of the policies (e.g. TBS submission progress). Finally, he noted that auditors engaged at the outset of some non-COVID-19 projects. He asked if ESDC do the same in order to prepare for the inevitable review.
May 12 - Senator Deacon (ISG) stated that universities will only offer classes online, and students (international or otherwise) could determine that the quality of education is not worth the cost. She asked if ECDC was considering this in its programming.
May 12 - Senator Dagenais (CSG) remarked that immigrant have filled many vacant positions in the past. He asked if the current job market will force the Government to rethink its immigration policy.

Senate Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology (SOCI)

May 13 - Senator Griffin (CSG) asked about the ban on temporary foreign workers (TFWs) that work on farms in all Maritime Provinces. She asked if AAFC if it has concerns that the New Brunswick government is stepping in with border controls. She asked if there AAFC programs that help mitigate the costs to farmers such as TFWs. Officials responded that the number of TFWs coming into Canada is very strong; just last month alone there were ten thousand workers that came into the country. They noted that conversations with provinces are continuous.
May 13 - Senator Munson (NA) asked if is it realistic for regions to be able to fill the worker void without TFWs.
May 13 - Senator Moodie (ISG) noted that TFWs have been deemed essential of the agriculture sector and food supply. She asked how many TFWs have become sick, and what supports do they have to critical care. AAFC officials did not have data and were unsure if it existed, but responded that the public health quarantine measures are being followed. CFIA officials were unaware of significant numbers of TFWs have become sick. They highlighted an outbreak in a greenhouse that involved TFWs, stating the facility took measures to maintain and contain the health of workers. They suggested that additional data relating to health issues would be best asked of Health Canada. StatsCan responded that data would be collected by provinces and territories. The Chair has asked officials to undertake to provide data to the Committee.
May 13 - Senator Omidvar (ISG) requested the total number of foreign workers in the agricultural sector annually. AAFC responded that approximately 50,000 - 60,000 workers arrived annually pre-COVID-19, with 15, 000 jobs left vacant. They noted that COVID-19 has exacerbated the challenge, but that 11, 200 TFWs arrived in April alone, with good numbers reported so far in May and more being brought into the country. Senator Omidvar noted her concern with the numbers, given the demand being put forward by Canadian farmers, and the gap in filling that need. StatsCan responded that they collect data on immigrant status population groups, black populations and indigenous populations; they are working on disaggregated data in these areas. The results will be provided to the Committee once the results are completed. The Labour Force Survey in StatsCan responded that they are working with provinces and territories to use other sources of indicators at a local level. While information on visible minorities is not available, information on indigenous and immigrant populations are included in the Labour Force Survey, which will be reported when available.

Other parliamentary debates

May 15, 2020 - Committee of the Whole

The Senate reconvened on Friday May 15, 2020 to debate Bill C-16, An Act to amend the Canadian Dairy Commission Act in Committee of the Whole. The Bill received Royal Assent. Highlights of the debate:
- Senator Munson (non-affiliated): “[…] It is stuck in my head that the New Brunswick premier said foreign workers are not coming and they’re not going to come. We had gone through this and I have seen this over and over again where there is always a shortage of foreign workers. […] Is there any guarantee that this country can fill that void? Is there any guarantee during this particular time, with the money that has been distributed to young people across the country, of others replacing those foreign workers temporarily to get a taste of working in their own country, and giving them that motivation with sort of an on-the-ground program? […]”
  - Ms. Bibeau responded, “Labour shortage is definitely a huge challenge. It was already a challenge before the COVID-19 crisis. We normally welcome 60,000 temporary foreign workers, and even with all of them, we used to have 15,000 or so vacant jobs. So this is definitely a challenge.
  - That is why we are working very hard with the Minister of Immigration and with the Minister of Foreign Affairs to try to simplify the process as much as we can, so we can get as many temporary workers as we can. In April it actually went well; better than what we expected. We were able to receive 11,200 workers, while last year it was 13,000. So we are hopeful that we will be better than we thought a month ago.
  - Maybe just to complement this part, we are offering $1,500 to employers — mainly farmers but also food processors — who have temporary foreign workers. So $1,500 per worker to help them support the extra costs related to the 14-day isolation period.”
- Senator Dalphond (Independent Senators Group): “[…] the shortage of temporary workers on Quebec farms. Many of those workers come from abroad, but foreign labour will be reduced this year. The Quebec government set up a program to encourage students to fill in for the absent foreign workers. Then the federal government announced a program to help students who can’t find a job. That measure and other measures are having a perverse effect in that they provide no incentive for students to go work on farms. When the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion appeared before the Senate, I asked her whether it would be possible for the $100 a week offered by the Quebec government not to count towards the $1,000 revenue threshold, because that’s when you lose the entire benefit. Do you have any news on that front?”
  - Ms. Bibeau responded, “Temporary foreign workers are essential to the food industry. To make it easier to hire them despite COVID-19, we’re allowing them to enter the country and we’ve implemented exceptional measures to fast-track their documents. Some workers have faced challenges in their countries of origin, even if just in terms of local transportation to get the necessary visas and documents. We’re working as efficiently as we can at this time. In April, some 11,200 workers arrived in Canada, compared to 13,000 last year. We do still believe we’ll be able to welcome many more than the early, concerning scenarios we were shown at the beginning of the crisis had projected.”

May 15, 2020 - Third Reading Statements

Hon. Claude Carignan (CPC): “[…] Farmers need workers and someone to take over. The current crisis made it clear that our farms don’t have enough workers.
Many farmers have to call upon temporary foreign workers, but there’s a lot of red tape involved. Sometimes, as with the current pandemic, events occur that prevent them from hiring all the workers they need. In any case, the temporary foreign worker program doesn’t meet long-term needs since farmers need to start over every year.
The foreign worker program needs to be reviewed. We must no longer treat the use of these workers as a temporary solution. The current crisis is making it clear that these workers are part of the long-term solution.
Work permits should last more than one season and the temporary workers should have a path to permanent residence. An increased number of economic immigrants need to be selected to work in the agriculture sector.”
Hon. Tony Dean (Independent Senators Group): “In order to ensure the food supply chain stays strong in Canada, the government is also providing relief for farmers who rely on the existing Temporary Foreign Worker Program. An amount of $50 million has been allocated for farmers so they can safely welcome temporary foreign workers while complying with the Quarantine Act. In order to ensure that farmers have access to these workers for the growing season, the federal government will provide support of $1,500 for each temporary foreign worker to employers or those working with them to ensure requirements are fully met.
The minister mentioned today that as of April, 22,000 temporary foreign workers had arrived in Canada, representing 80% of the number at the same time last year, which is a considerable success during uncertain and unpredictable times.”

May 15, 2020 - Question Period in the Senate

Hon. Jean-Guy Dagenais (Canadian Senators Group) asked, “My question is for the Leader of the Government in the Senate. The number of unemployed workers in Canada reached record levels last week. Since the pandemic began, the number of unemployed Canadians has risen by 1.285 million. Once this crisis is over, the employment situation in Canada will have completely changed. Besides issuing compensation cheques, any serious government should also have a vision of the labour market for the years ahead that takes into account the disappearance of many businesses and companies.
For many years now, immigration has been an important resource to help fill labour shortages in this country, but going forward, there probably won’t be enough jobs for people who want to come here to work. Does your Prime Minister plan to review Canada’s immigration programs to give unemployed Canadians a chance to return to the workforce?”
- Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate) answered, “Thank you for your question. This country was built by all Canadians, including Indigenous peoples, the founding nations and immigrants, and they are the reason Canada is a prosperous nation today. As we navigate this economic and health crisis, the government is doing everything in its power to help Canadians and Canada’s economy. Our country has never experienced anything like this before. It is much too early to predict what structural changes our economy may undergo in the months and years to come. I have no information about whether the government plans to review immigration rates. However, as senators should know, the government regularly reviews its numbers and expectations with respect to immigration while taking into account Canadians’ needs and economic and social growth. That is what the government will continue to do.”

Committee undertakings

May 8, 2020 - Ministerial appearance at the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA)

Backlog of asylum claimants
Economic impact of the TFWP by province
Processing time and backlog in various work permit and visa categories, including for expired work permit applications
Impact of receiving emergency government assistance on immigration
Number of new work permits by skill level classification since March 15, 2020
Number of TFWs expected to arrive in May and June
Number of work permits renewed in Canada since March 15, 2020

April 22, 2020 – At the Standing Committee on Health (HESA), two questions of interest were asked by MP Paul-Hus (CPC) and were assigned to IRCC as undertakings:

Border crossings and changes to STCA measures
Cost of hotels for asylum claimants

Parliamentary returns

The Department has not received any Parliamentary Returns related to the impacts of COVID-19 on immigration.

Page details

Date modified:: 2021-10-06

Language selection

Search