The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is calling on the federal government to invest in programs, projects, and veterinary infrastructure to mitigate a growing shortage in the veterinary workforce. The Employment and Social Development Canada’s (ESDC) Canadian Occupation Project System (COPS) shows that the labour market supply of veterinarians is in a structural supply deficit… Read More
Category: Labour
Canada added 40,000 jobs last month, but the unemployment rate actually climbed to 5.8%, since we’re still adding more people than jobs to the economy. For those in the agriculture sector, we know all too well just how tight the labour market has been and will be going forward. On the national scope, the Canadian… Read More
In just six years time, there will be more than 100,000 jobs vacant in the agriculture industry if significant measures are not taken to adapt, train, and attract new entrants to the industry. New data from the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC)’s latest report on labour market dynamics, from a study conducted by The… Read More
The phrase work smarter, not harder is perhaps best applied when you’ve got no other choice — a one-person or two-person farm has no choice but to get creative when it comes to handling grain, the logistics of seeding and harvest, and more. But it’s not just farms with only a few people that benefit… Read More
The union representing 384 employees at Viterra’s grain elevators in Saskatchewan and another 65 staff at the company’s office in Regina has suspended previously-announced strike action pending a vote on a revised offer from the company. Viterra updated its offer to members of the Grain and General Services Union (GSU) Locals 1 and 2 on… Read More
When dairy farmers and staff have free time in their day, what should they do? There’s always tasks waiting to be tackled, says Cattleytics CEO Dr. Shari Van De Pol, but the challenge is often knowing what needs to be done. That’s where the Moo To Do task management system can help. At Canada’s Outdoor… Read More
Those within the agriculture industry often love to tell anyone who will listen that there are many amazing career opportunities in the sector. They are right, of course — there are thousands of jobs going unfilled and plenty of career advancement opportunities for those interested. But agriculture has too much of a good thing, and… Read More
Half a dozen national farm organizations and their members are raising concerns about unintended consequences from the federal government’s Underused Housing Tax (UHT) that took effect last year. The Canadian Federation of Agriculture, Canadian Cattle Association, National Cattle Feeders Association, Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada, Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, and Canadian Canola… Read More
In the most recent Canadian Farmer Sentiment Index survey, farmers were asked about whether or not they were concerned about consolidation within the ag industry. From ag retail, to precision ag companies, and more on to equipment dealerships, farmers weighed in on what consolidation worried them most. As for category, the highest rating was given… Read More
A three-year pilot program will begin this September to help reduce the administrative burden of accessing the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program. The Recognized Employer Program (REP) will first be made available to agricultural workers this September before a wider rollout in January 2024. The program will be available to those companies who regularly access… Read More
The Dairy Herdsperson Apprenticeship (DHA) program at the University of Guelph’s Ridgetown campus will be available through virtual delivery to reach more students interested in a professional herdsperson careers. In a partnership with the Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO), Ridgetown Campus will use $300,000 of government funding to develop virtual learning modules and increase program… Read More
Rail conductors, port workers, government staff, and even grocery store employees either are in the midst of a strike or have been on strike, sometimes more than once, in the last few years. Work stoppages are on the rise in several industries, but there’s more friction than just between employee and employer: disagreements and rifts… Read More
Agriculture has long struggled to attract and retain enough people at nearly every stage of the industry; from general labour, to skilled operators, to farm management, and in the c-suite. In certain geographies, local job markets have made things even more difficult, as higher paying jobs pulled people away from the farm. But now, just… Read More
Ontario dairy farmer and producer group leader Peggy Brekveld has been acclaimed as chair of the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC). Brekveld also serves as president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. She replaces Paul Glenn, representing the Canadian Young Farmers Forum, who completed his 2021 to 2023 term as of June 20, 2023…. Read More
Those in agriculture have been encouraged to “tell their story” for years, all in the name of maintaining the social license to operate, or to gain acceptance and understanding of farm practices by the public. But there’s another reason for farmers and agri-business owners to tell a good story: to attract and retain great staff… Read More