Canada’s meat-processing industry and the country’s largest food-sector union are urging Ottawa to create a dedicated immigration pathway that offers permanent residency for essential food workers.
The call comes after the federal government ended the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot earlier this year. That program had recognized the permanent, year-round nature of jobs in food manufacturing. Without it, both employers and workers say there’s no long-term plan to address ongoing labour shortages.
“Lack of consistent labour is one of the biggest barriers to growth in our sector,” said Nestor Pawliuk, CEO of the Canadian Meat Council. “Businesses are investing in automation, training, and recruitment, but those efforts can’t succeed without stable access to the people who make our plants run every day.”
The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW Canada) agrees. National President Shawn Haggerty said workers who keep Canada’s food system moving deserve the chance to build permanent lives in the communities where they work.
“A fair and predictable immigration pathway is good for workers, families, and the long-term strength of the Canadian economy,” Haggerty said.
Labour Gaps Threaten Beef Supply Chain
Food and beverage processing is Canada’s largest manufacturing employer, contributing more than $35 billion each year to the national economy. Within that, meat processing represents the largest share — and serves as a cornerstone for beef production, exports, and rural employment.
Persistent labour shortages have already curbed processing capacity and export potential. Many beef plants operate year-round in small or rural communities where local labour pools are limited. Industry leaders say access to trained, long-term international workers is essential to maintain throughput, meet export commitments, and ensure Canada’s competitiveness in global beef markets.
Policy Outlook
The federal government is preparing reforms to the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program.
Employer and union representatives are asking to be part of those discussions to ensure the food sector’s needs are reflected — including specialized skills, continuous operations, and rural realities.
They emphasize that the food-processing industry needs tailored, long-term solutions, not one-size-fits-all rules.
A collaborative approach, they say, would help stabilize the food supply chain and strengthen the communities that rely on it.
Signatories:
Canadian Meat Council (CMC) | United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW Canada)
