• Labour-Intensive Work: Farming is labour-intensive, and the industry often struggles to find sufficient domestic workers, especially for roles such as harvesting, planting, and livestock care.

• Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP): A specific stream of the TFWP, SAWP allows employers to hire temporary foreign workers from specific countries (like Mexico and Caribbean nations) for seasonal agricultural work. This program is widely used in the farming industry.

• Types of Roles: TFWs in farming often work in fruit and vegetable harvesting, dairy farming, poultry production, and greenhouse operations.

• High Reliance on TFWs: A significant portion of the agricultural labor force in Canada is made up of TFWs, particularly in provinces with large agricultural sectors like Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta.

• Specialized Labour Needs: Horse ranching requires specialized labour, including roles such as grooms, trainers, stable hands, and breeding specialists. These roles often require specific skills and experience that can be difficult to find locally.

• Seasonal Fluctuations: Similar to farming, the horse ranch industry experiences seasonal fluctuations, particularly in regions with harsh winters. This seasonality increases the need for temporary foreign labour during peak times.

• Rural and Remote Locations: Many horse ranches are located in rural or remote areas, where it is even more challenging to attract and retain local workers. TFWs often fill this gap.

• Use of LMIA: Employers in the horse ranch industry typically apply for LMIAs to hire workers for roles that require specific skills or for which there is a local labour shortage.

Farming Sector:

• High Number of TFWs: In 2021, over 60,000 temporary foreign workers were employed in Canada’s agricultural sector, with the majority working under the SAWP.
• Critical Role in Production: TFWs are essential for maintaining Canada’s agricultural production levels, especially during the peak growing and harvesting seasons.

Horse Ranch Sector:

• Smaller Scale but Vital: While the horse ranching industry employs fewer TFWs compared to farming, these workers are crucial for maintaining operations, particularly in high-demand periods like breeding and racing seasons.
• Concentration in Specific Regions: Alberta and Ontario are notable for their significant horse ranching operations, and these regions have a higher demand for specialized foreign labor in the equine industry.

• Working Conditions: The farming and horse ranching industries involve physically demanding work, often in challenging conditions. Ensuring fair treatment and proper working conditions for TFWs is a key concern.

• Regulatory Compliance: Employers must adhere to strict regulations, including providing TFWs with competitive wages, safe working conditions, and appropriate housing, especially in the case of agricultural workers who may live on-site.

• Retention and Integration: Retaining TFWs and integrating them into the local workforce can be challenging, particularly in rural areas where social support systems may be limited.

• COVID-19 Impact: The pandemic highlighted the essential role of TFWs in the farming sector. Despite travel restrictions and health risks, many TFWs continued to work, ensuring the stability of Canada’s food supply chain.

• Increased Demand for TFWs: As domestic labour shortages continue, the demand for TFWs in both farming and horse ranching industries has increased. This trend is expected to persist as these sectors face ongoing challenges in attracting local workers.

• Sustained Reliance on TFWs: The farming and horse ranching industries are expected to continue relying on TFWs due to ongoing labour shortages and the difficulty of attracting domestic workers to these physically demanding and often low-wage roles.

• Policy Developments: Future policy developments may focus on improving conditions for TFWs and providing clearer pathways to permanent residency for those who wish to remain in Canada.