Ontario Agri-Careers Support Initiative

Terms and Conditions

Ontario-based food processing businesses directly involved in the Transformation of agricultural commodities, foods, beverages or agri-based bio-products that:

• are heavily impacted by labour shortages; and
• have the capacity to pilot innovative solutions to attract and retain employees.

Eligible Applicants are Ontario-based food processors that have 50 or more employees at the time of application. Food processors include operational businesses that are manufacturers and currently directly involved in the Transformation of agricultural commodities, foods, beverages or agri-based bio-products in Ontario.

If any officer, director or employee of the Applicant is a current or former federal public office holder or federal public servant, they are in compliance with the Conflict of Interest Act (Canada), and the Conflict of Interest Code for Members of the House of Commons (Canada), the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector (Canada) and the Policy on Conflict of Interest and Post-employment (Canada), as applicable. If any officer, director or employee of the Applicant is a member of the House of Commons or Senate, they are permitted under the Parliament of Canada Act (Canada) to receive funding from Canada under the Initiative.

Businesses can apply on their own or as a business collaboration provided that each entity:

• is engaged in the project and will be contributing cash towards the project;
• has 50 or more employees at the time of application;
• is an Ontario-based business (located and actively operating and engaged in Transformation of products in Ontario);
• is involved in the agriculture, agri-food and agri-products sector; and
• is in compliance with all Requirements of Law and agrees to remain in compliance with all Requirements of Law for the duration of the project.

A business collaboration must include two or more legally recognized entities that operate at Arm’s Length from one another and are working collaboratively on a project.

Applicants must be represented by an Applicant capable of entering a Funding Agreement with the AAC. Applicants must provide a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number as part of the application process.

Businesses are encouraged to work together with other businesses in their community, and where appropriate work to involve not-for-profit organizations, local municipalities and academic/research institutions. Not-for-profit organizations, municipalities and academic/research institutions may collaborate but are not eligible to apply as the Applicant.