BAC says industry needs and thrives with support from temporary foreign workers

Ottawa – The Canadian baking industry, a $16-billion cornerstone of the nation’s food supply chain, continues to flourish, providing essential products and significant employment opportunities, the Baking Association of Canada said in a news release. However, this vital sector faces considerable challenges in securing sufficient labour, increasingly relying on Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) to bridge the gap.

From small artisanal bakeries to large-scale industrial operations in both rural and urban areas, the baking industry is grappling with a persistent shortage of skilled labour. TFWs play a crucial role in maintaining stability, enabling bakeries to plan for growth, operate efficiently, and, in many cases, remain in business. These workers help uphold the integrity of Canada’s broader food supply chain, allowing bakeries of all sizes to meet consumer demands despite challenges such as butter, sugar, and cocoa shortages.

The BAC advocates for a robust support system and open dialogue to reform and improve the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, aiming to better support both workers and employers.

The Baking Association of Canada (BAC) underscores the immense value of sustaining and enhancing the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and expresses concerns over recent changes to measures under the Workforce Solutions Road Map. The BAC advocates for a robust support system and open dialogue to reform and improve the TFWP, aiming to better support both workers and employers. We urge the federal government to reconsider this latest decision, and to enhance pathways to permanent residency, facilitating smoother transitions for TFWs who wish to become permanent residents.

“Temporary Foreign Workers are critical to addressing labour shortages and skills gaps in the Canadian baking industry,” said Martin Barnett, executive director and general manager of the BAC. “It is imperative that the Canadian government acknowledges the vital role of TFWs and implements policies that support their integration. By doing so, Canada can ensure the continued prosperity and growth of its baking industry, ultimately benefiting the national economy.”

For more information, please visit baking.ca or email info@baking.ca.