Labour Force Management Strategies Initiative (LFMSI)

The Labour Force Management Strategies Initiative provides various financing modalities to support projects aimed at addressing labour force challenges in the agri-food sector. Funding structure varies based on applicant type and project scope.

• Funding covers up to 50% of eligible project costs.
• A maximum of $40,000 is available for primary producers or processors per project.
• Industry organizations or collaborations of two or more businesses can receive up to a maximum of $100,000 per project.
• Projects must align with eligible activities outlined by the initiative.
• Funding from the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership must not be duplicated; stacking is allowed only if other funding sources permit and total aid does not exceed 100% of eligible costs.
• Local or regional transportation costs are capped at $20,000 for single applicants and $50,000 for industry organizations or collaborations.

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific criteria related to the applicant's profile and compliance with relevant laws.

• The applicant must be a Primary Producer, Processor, or Industry Organization.
• The applicant must submit a completed Ministry-approved Application Form.
• The applicant must be involved in activities that address attraction, recruitment, and/or retention of employees as set out in the guidelines.
• If applying as a Primary Producer or Processor, the applicant must have a valid and up-to-date Premises ID Number.
• If applying as a Primary Producer, the applicant must have a valid FBRN or equivalent exemption documentation.
• The applicant must be in compliance with environmental, labour, tax-related, and other relevant laws.
• The applicant and its officers cannot be current or former federal public office holders or federal public servants in conflict with relevant Canadian acts and codes.
• The applicant must agree that intellectual property rights arising from the project belong to them.
• The applicant must agree to the publication of information about their project by Canada and Ontario.
• The applicant must agree to the terms and conditions of the Initiative as specified in the relevant documents.
• The applicant must participate in knowledge sharing, including project outcomes.

Who is eligible?

This grant is specifically available to entities involved in the agri-food sector, focusing on addressing labour force challenges through innovative strategies. Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:- Be a primary producer, processor, or an industry organization.- Operate within activities that include piloting incremental worker supports, recruitment strategies, developing new or incremental human resource policies and programs, or planning for on-site amenities for employees.- Must operate within or focus their project efforts on Ontario-based labour strategies in the agri-food sector.

Who is not eligible

The Labour Force Management Strategies Initiative primarily supports specific sectors within the agri-food industry, excluding certain companies and industries due to their status or activities. This ensures that the funding is appropriately targeted.

• Companies that are not primary producers, processors, or industry organizations in the agri-food sector.
• Applications from entities that have already received funding for the same project through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
• Companies or industries not involved in innovative workforce attraction, recruitment, or retention strategies within the agri-food sector.
• Businesses without a valid CRA BN, SIN, or Premises ID number where applicable.
• Entities that are not in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, such as environmental, labor, or tax-related laws.
• Organizations involved in ordinary business operations or in activities not directly supporting employee attraction, recruitment, or retention.
• Projects involving living accommodations or the construction and renovation of on-site amenities.
• Entities not identified by the specified NAICS codes related to the agri-food industry.
• Organizations that are abusive towards ministry staff or submit false or misleading information.
• Participants with outstanding debts to Ontario or Canada without a repayment plan.

Eligible expenses

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the implementation of eligible pilot projects that address local labour force challenges in the agri-food sector.

• Costs incurred after application approval but before February 28, 2026.
• Purchase of goods and supplies necessary for project implementation (e.g., training materials, promotional materials).
• Third-party service provider costs, including licensed dependent care, translation services, human resource programs and policy development, and media or promotion services.
• Venue and facility rental fees for project events such as career fairs.
• Travel costs for employees to attend project-related events in Ontario, up to a maximum of $5,000.
• Local or regional transportation support costs for employees, with specific expenses such as shuttle services, public transportation fares, taxi or rideshare costs, and vehicle rentals (excluding luxury vehicles), up to specified limits.

Eligible geographic areas

While the grant's documentation does not explicitly specify eligible geographical areas, the Labour Force Management Strategies Initiative is administered by the province of Ontario. Considering the context, Ontario-based entities might be a primary focus for eligibility.

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant consider how well the projects meet the strategic goals of addressing local labour force challenges in the agri-food sector, based on clearly defined criteria.

• Alignment of intended project outcomes, including identifying a need and demonstrating a rationale for the project.
• Extent to which the project will effectively address labour force attraction, retention, or recruitment.
• Strength of contributions from additional primary producers and/or processors for collaborations.
• Benefits to the sector, including potential for broader impact or sector-wide benefits through knowledge sharing upon completion of the project.
• Strength of the plan to collect information and knowledge regarding project outcomes and the potential for knowledge sharing with the sector.
• Likelihood of success, including adequacy of resources, experience, and skills to successfully complete the project.
• Clearly articulated budget with reasonable costs necessary for project implementation, aligned with eligible costs.
• Detailed work plan outlining project activities and demonstrating capacity to achieve these activities within project timelines.

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• The funding cannot exceed 50% of eligible costs. For primary producers and processors, the cap is $40,000, while industry organizations or collaborations can receive up to $100,000.
• The initiative has a total budget of $4 million, funded by the Sustainable CAP (2023-2028).
• Applicants can submit up to 2 applications simultaneously, with a total of 2 approved projects.
• Projects must be completed by February 28, 2026.
• The initiative emphasizes knowledge sharing, requiring recipients to report project outcomes and lessons learned.
• Stacking of grants is allowed, provided the total assistance does not exceed 100% of eligible costs.
• Strict compliance with environmental, labor, and tax laws is required for eligibility.
• Applicants need to provide a Premises ID Number and may need a Farming Business Registration Number (FBRN) or equivalent identification.
• Initiative Payments may be audited, thus record-keeping for 7 years is recommended.
• There are restrictions on communications requiring prior written consent from the Ministry, including adherence to a communications protocol.
• The application form must be completed using Adobe Acrobat Reader, and the submission process includes a detailed review and potential debrief for non-approved applicants.
• The guideline document prevails in cases of any conflict or discrepancy.
• Recognition is given for indigenous persons, women, and youth, although providing this demographic information is voluntary.