N.B. Will Launch Platform For Jobs Usually Filled By Temporary Foreign Workers
FREDERICTON – The provincial government said Thursday it will launch a job-matching platform on May 4 to link New Brunswickers with jobs that were filled by temporary foreign workers.
That includes approximately 600 positions in sectors like agriculture and aquaculture.
“Food production is an essential sector in New Brunswick and our government is committed to working with the industry to provide stable food supply to all New Brunswickers,” Premier Blaine Higgs said.
The government recently announced that it will restrict temporary foreign workers entering the province to prevent a potential outbreak of COVID-19. Higgs said about 175 workers were supposed to arrive in New Brunswick in the next week.
However, the decision was met with criticism from the agriculture sector.
Green Party Leader David Coon called on the government to offer a wage subsidy to help farmers recruit and retain workers. He also called for exemptions from the ban for the farmers.
“Farmers who can demonstrate they have all necessary supports in place to properly quarantine their workers for 14 days and provide for physical distancing in their accommodations, should be eligible for exemptions from the order barring temporary foreign workers. A wage subsidy must also be made available so farmers can avoid debilitating labour shortages,” he said in a press release.
Higgs cited the federal government’s Canada Student Service Grant – up to $5,000 provided to students helping in the fight against COVID-19 – as one of the things that could be used to help recruit students to fill jobs left vacant by temporary foreign workers who can’t come.
But he also said if a position can’t be filled locally, “then we’ll look at how we can fill it with a temporary foreign worker, but first and foremost, how do we do it in a way that minimizes any risks that we take in terms of public health concerns,” he said. “Different roles have different risk profiles.”
“There’s an issue right now in terms of ensuring farmers can meet the requirements to continue on the season, and we’ll work on that as a result of changes to the temporary foreign worker policy, we’ll deal with that to ensure they can,” he said.
RELATED: N.B. Farmers Say Ban On Foreign Workers Short-Sighted And Surprising
The government also announced that job protection for those not able to work due to COVID-19 related reasons is now in place, retroactive to March 12.
The protection extends to those who can’t work because they have COVID-19, are caring for some with whom they have a close family relationship who has been infected, are complying with self-isolation or quarantine protocols, or those who can’t work because they’re caring for children as schools and daycares are closed.
Employees must request for the emergency leave from their employers, but employers don’t have to pay them during the leave.
In addition, Labour Minister Trevor Holder announced that WorkingNB services are now available via phone, with more options likely made available in the near future.
“We know that to have an environment where businesses and New Brunswickers can get back on track and thrive, and we need to re-energize our economy,” said Holder. “Our Working New Brunswick team is a valuable piece of that puzzle.”
Businesses that need help with recruitment, retention or training can use WorkingNB’s services, so do employees looking for jobs or training opportunities.
The province reached a 12th consecutive day with no new COVID-19 cases reported. The total number of confirmed cases stayed at 118, with four cases still active, though none of them are hospitalized anymore.
“Life will return to a different version of normal, and we will learn to live with this virus until an effective vaccine or some other treatment is available,” said Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jennifer Russell.
She said the move towards the recovery phase needs to be done carefully “because we’re not done with this virus, and this virus is not done with us.” The good news, she said, is the province and its healthcare system is now ready to tackle the next wave of the pandemic.
Later Thursday, officials were meeting with chambers of commerce from across the province to discuss broad guidance for businesses so they can reopen safely.
“We’ll be looking for fresh thinking and innovative ideas to get this province moving again safely,” Russell said. “I want New Brunswick businesses to take the time necessary to ensure that everyone stays healthy.”
The government extended the state of emergency for another two weeks and prolonged licences, registrations, certificates and permits issued under provincial laws that were valid as of March 16 to June 30.