The 2024 federal budget’s proposed 5% reduction in temporary immigration might significantly affect Canada’s agriculture sector and related businesses, removing about 600,000 temporary residents over three years. The sector’s reliance on these workers presents potential issues. Janet Krayden of the Canadian Mushroom Growers’ Association criticizes the confusion between temporary foreign workers and international students and the misplaced blame of immigrants for the housing crisis, which experts attribute to investor and builder strategies. Krayden calls for thorough consultation with farmers and food processors before decisions impacting temporary foreign workers in these sectors are finalized.
