Financial supports for agriculture industry housing temporary foreign workers

The Province is launching a grant program for agricultural operations looking to make improvements to living quarters located on the farm.

The Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) in Agriculture Housing Improvement Program will provide eligible agriculture operations with grants of up to $15,000 to improve living conditions for TFWs in PEI's agriculture industry. Examples of eligible expenses include:

• Improvements and expansions to living such as ventilation systems, bathrooms, laundry facilities, etc.;
• Internet and telephone improvements for those wishing to contact families in other countries;
• Installation of heat pumps;
• General maintenance such as painting, upgrading floors, pest control and cleaning;
• Repairs to sewage systems, water systems, and other emergency repairs;
• Upgrade fire safety equipment and carbon monoxide detectors;
• Additional first aid stations.

"PEI's agriculture industry is a driving force for our local economy, and welcoming TFWs to our workforce is an important part of making sure our industry and communities continue to thrive," "This new program is a great first step that achieves a goal outlined in our provincial mandate, and ultimately supports our industry and our workforce."

- Deputy Premier and Agriculture Minister Bloyce Thompson.

In order to be eligible for funding, operations in PEI's agriculture industry must have already received approval from the Government of Canada to hire temporary foreign workers through the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Stream.

Media contact:
Kip Ready
Senior Communications Officer
Department of Agriculture
[email protected]