Announced an investment of more than $252 million to support farmers, food businesses and food processors
Also announced that the government intends to propose an additional $200 million in borrowing capacity for the sector
The Government of Canada will provide targeted support to farmers, ranchers, agricultural producers, and food processors by:
Creating a $77.5 million Emergency Processing Fund to help food producers access more personal protective equipment (PPE), adapt to health protocols, automate or modernize their facilities, processes, and operations, and respond to emerging pressures from COVID-19
Launching a national AgriRecovery initiative of up to $125 million in funding to help producers faced with additional costs incurred by COVID-19
Announcing the intention to increase the Canadian Dairy Commission’s borrowing limit by $200 million to support costs associated with the temporary storage of cheese and butter to avoid food waste
Launching a first-ever Surplus Food Purchase Program with an initial $50 million fund designed to help redistribute existing and unsold inventories to local food organizations who are serving vulnerable Canadians
Working with provinces and territories to increase interim payments from 50 per cent to 75 per cent through AgriStability, a federal, provincial and territorial program that supports producers who face significant revenue declines
Working with provinces and territories to explore possibilities for expanding the AgriInsurance program to include labour shortages as an eligible risk for the horticulture sector
This program is intended for Albertans who are experiencing financial hardship as a direct result of COVID-19, such as those who have lost their employment or have had to leave work to take care of an ill family member
Customers need to contact their utility directly to sign up for the deferral program
Customers will still have to pay for their deferred electricity and natural gas bills after the program ends on June 18
