Ottawa – May 6, 2026 – Food and Beverage Canada (FBC-ABC) recognizes that the government’s announcement to accelerate permanent residency for 33,000 workers will provide important support for some workers in smaller and rural communities. However, as currently framed, the measure has missed the mark for Canada’s food and beverage manufacturing industry. 

Across our industry, foreign workers are essential to maintaining production and supporting Canada’s food system. Some companies report that up to 20% of their workforce is made up of foreign workers already in Canada, contributing directly to their communities, economic growth, and national food security, yet many still have no viable pathway to remain long-term. These workforce needs exist across both rural communities and major urban centres, where companies face equally acute labour shortages and unique workforce challenges specific to food and beverage manufacturing. 

The delay in providing details on this initiative – months into 2026 – has created significant uncertainty for both employers and workers. Businesses have struggled to plan, while workers and their families have faced growing anxiety about their future in Canada. In some cases, companies are already losing experienced employees due to expiring permits and limited access to permanent residency pathways. 

This one-time measure had the potential to meaningfully strengthen Canada’s food system by supporting a stable and skilled workforce. Instead, its narrow focus risks leaving many food and beverage manufacturers in a precarious position – unable to retain the workers they rely on to keep production running and food on Canadians’ tables. It also risks undermining investment decisions at a time when Canada is competing globally for capital in food and beverage manufacturing. 

If Canada is serious about food security and affordability, immigration policy must reflect the permanent, year-round labour needs of food and beverage manufacturing – across all regions of the country. 

Media Contact: 
Kristina Farrell 
Chief Executive Officer 
Food and Beverage Canada 
613-322-9235 / Kristina.farrell@fbc-abc.com