CPMA understands that this is a busy and concerning time for our members, the entire produce industry and the public. Below you will find links to information and resources to help your business navigate the response to the COVID-19 outbreak. We will be continually updating this page as things develop and new information becomes available.
Click the links below to access the following topics, or scroll down to read all:
Consumer Overview and Information on COVID-19
Border and Trade
Foreign Worker Entry into Canada
Health and Safety
Food Safety
Labelling Requirements
Transportation
Protocols and Best Practices
Resources for Canadian Businesses
Examples of COVID-19 Resources from CPMA Member Companies
Consumer Overview and Information on COVID-19
CPMA has developed an information document for produce companies, health professionals and members of the public to share, to help ensure everyone is aware of methods of prevention of the spread of COVID-19, specifically when handling produce, and that scientific evidence currently shows no indication that COVID-19 is a foodborne illness.
Click here to access this document.
More COVID-19 resources for consumers can also be found on the Half Your Plate website.
Border and Trade
CPMA members are advised that new vaccine requirements for truckers will come into force as of January 15, 2022:
For help understanding the definition of essential services across borders and to understand what documentation will be required at the Canada – US border: Canada Border Services Agency has established a toll free line, staffed 24/7, to answer specific questions about Border Crossing: 1-800-461-9999 from within Canada, and 1-204-983-3500 or 1-506-636-5064 from outside Canada.
Should you have drivers that are experiencing any challenges crossing the border due to COVID-19, please contact Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's (AAFC) 24/7 Business Information Service at 1-800-461-9999. Please have on hand the following information when you call: the driver's name and nationality, work status in the US and Canada, driving history, and point of entry.
If you have concerns that rejections at the U.S. border are not justified, you can contact the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Info Center (open Mon-Fri between 8:30am and 4:00pm ET) at 1-877-227-5511.
Regarding travel or border restrictions and other measures such as movement restrictions and quarantines, trade commissioners can provide you with market-specific insights and guidance to help you mitigate the impacts of COVID-19.
Foreign Worker Entry into Canada
As per the Public Health Agency of Canada’s announcement on April 22nd, 2022, beginning April 25, 2022, at 00:01:00 EDT, all fully vaccinated travellers will no longer be required to provide a quarantine plan upon entry.
Furthermore, fully vaccinated travellers arriving to Canada on or after April 25, 2022, will no longer be federally required to do the following for 14 days after arriving:
- mask while in public spaces;
- monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms;
- quarantine if another traveller in the same travel group exhibits signs or symptoms or tests positive; and
- maintain a list of close contacts and locations visited.
As a reminder, all travellers are still required to use ArriveCAN (free mobile app or website) to provide mandatory travel information within 72 hours of their arrival to Canada and/or before boarding a plane or cruise ship destined for Canada, including:
- contact and travel information, and
- vaccination information and proof of vaccination (if applicable).
Fully vaccinated travellers who do not submit their information into ArriveCAN:
- won't be eligible for the fully vaccinated traveller exemption (i.e., they may have to submit a pre-entry test result and suitable quarantine plan, quarantine and undergo testing in Canada);
- may face additional delays at the border for public health questioning; and
- may be subject to fines or other enforcement action.
Unvaccinated travellers will continue to be required to test on arrival, on Day 8 and quarantine for 14 days. They must continue to adhere to the current testing and federal quarantine requirements and provide COVID-19-related information electronically through ArriveCAN before arriving in Canada. Unvaccinated foreign nationals will not be permitted to enter Canada unless they meet one of the few exemptions.
Use ArriveCAN to enter Canada
Employers who provide accommodations to TFWs are required to house quarantining workers in accommodations that are separate from those not subject to quarantine including workers who meet the vaccine requirements. This may require finding alternate accommodations (e.g., a hotel) if this requirement cannot be met.
The Agri-Food Immigration Pilot is now open and will accept applications until May 14, 2023.
Health and Safety
Food Safety
There is currently no evidence that food is a likely source or route of transmission of the virus. There is no known risk of COVID-19 entering Canada on parcels or packages coming from affected areas. If the Government of Canada becomes aware of a potential food safety risk, appropriate actions will be taken to ensure the safety of Canada’s food supply.
Given these unprecedented circumstances, GFSI has instructed the Certificate Program Owners (i.e. CanadaGAP) that “… certificate extension can last for a period of up to 6 months.” There may be options to do desk audits or virtual audits, but this has not been finalized. The complete document can be found here: GFSI - Coronavirus Position Regarding Audits. You should contact your GFSI audit provider to discuss the proper path forward for your organization.
Labelling Requirements
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has temporarily suspended some of its low-risk activities. Low-risk CFIA activities are those that do not immediately impact the production of safe food for Canadians. The CFIA is also providing flexibility for certain labelling requirements for foodservice packaged products that have no impact on food safety, as detailed below.
Transportation
It is important to note that persons exempt from mandatory quarantine are still required to wear an appropriate mask or face covering upon entry into Canada and while in transit, and should otherwise respect the intent of the Order to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in Canada.
Protocols and Best Practices
Resources for Canadian Businesses
Agriculture Employment Portals and Supports
Government of Canada Resources
Other Business Resources