The application intake period is now closed.

Overview

We’re helping farms and agri-food operations take additional measures to guard against the spread of COVID‑19 in agri-food workplace.

The funding provided by the Enhanced Agri-Food Workplace Protection Program is intended to protect workers in Ontario, address potential risks of COVID-19 outbreaks, and offset unexpected costs experienced by employers and employees related to wage continuance.

The Enhanced Agri-Food Workplace Protection Program provides funding to businesses through three streams:

  • Stream 1: Agri-Food Workplace COVID-19 Prevention and Protection (WCPP)
    • This stream reimburses businesses for implementing prevention and mitigation measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 among agri-food workers/employees.
  • Stream 2: Wage, Isolation and Quarantine Support (WIQS) for Employers of International Agri-food Workers (IAWs) and Domestic Workers in Ontario
    • This stream reimburses businesses that were impacted by COVID-19 outbreaks and incurred extraordinary costs in terms of employee wage supports and worker/employee isolations, and quarantine measures.
  • Stream 3: Congregate Housing Infection Prevention and Control Measures (CHIPC)
    • Reimburses businesses for minor modifications throughout congregate employee housing, including health and safety measures and meeting physical distancing and isolation requirements.

Applications will be received and assessed on a continuous basis until January 31, 2023. Funds are available on a first-come first-served basis based on the submission of a complete claim. Funding is not guaranteed with the submission of the application only.

How to apply

  1. Make sure you have a COVID‑19  workplace safety plan. It must document the steps in place to limit the spread of this disease throughout the operation. This document should contain an outline that will create the basis for submitting an application, and an attestation will be required to submit an application.
  2. Register for with the Transfer Payment Common Registry. This is required to receive payment through this program.
  3. Download and complete the application form for the stream you’re applying for. Eligibility requirements for each funding stream are described in detail below.
    1. Stream 1: Food Workplace COVID‑19 Prevention and Protection (WCPP) — Eligibility Requirements
    2. Stream 2: Wage, Isolation and Quarantine Support (WIQS) — Eligibility Requirements
    3. Stream 3: Congregate Housing Infection Prevention and Control Measures — Eligibility Requirements (CHIPC)
  4. Submit your completed and eligible application to AgRuralPrograms@ontario.ca by January 31, 2023 at 5 p.m. ET.
  5. After your application its reviewed, you will be assigned a file number and your appropriate claim form. You cannot submit a claim without a file number.
  6. Use the file number to submit a claim form(s) to request reimbursement for your expenses.
  7. Submit your claim form(s) to AgRuralPrograms@ontario.ca by March 15, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

The deadline to submit an application is January 31, 2023 at 5 p.m. ET.

The deadline to submit claim forms is March 15, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Eligible expenses must be dated between February 16, 2022, and February 28, 2023, inclusive.

Funding is limited and based on a first-come first-served basis. Make sure to submit your application and claim forms early.

Important dates

Application submissions are open from November 10, 2022, to January 31, 2023, at 5 p.m. ET.

Claim form submissions are open from November 10, 2022, to March 15, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Eligible expenses must be dated between February 16, 2022, and February 28, 2023, inclusive.

Stream 1: Agri-Food Workplace COVID‑19 Prevention and Protection

This stream reimburses businesses for adopting prevention and mitigation measures to reduce the spread of COVID‑19 among agri-food workers/employees.

Who is eligible?

A business that employs three or more paid workers/employees and is one of the following:

  • An established food or beverage processor that is a legal entity and is a manufacturer and is currently directly involved in the transformation of agricultural commodities, food, beverage, or agri-based bio-products in Ontario. Transformation means physically or chemically changing an agricultural commodity, food, beverage or an agri-based bio-product.
  • An established farm business that is a legal entity and produces agricultural commodities in Ontario under a valid Farm Business Registration Number (FBRN), or an allowable religious or cultural exemption.
  • A business that is a legal entity located in Ontario that provides primary food processing for fruit and vegetable crops. Primary food processing involves cutting, cleaning, packaging, storage and refrigeration of raw plant foods to ensure that they are not spoiled before they reach the consumer.
  • A business that is a legal entity located in Ontario and provides one of the following on-farm services where agriculture employees operate within proximity of one another:
    • poultry catchers/vaccinators
    • corn detasselers
    • professional barn cleaners
    • hatcheries
    • transporters of agricultural commodities
    • sales barns/auction houses of agricultural commodities
  • A business that is a legal entity located in Ontario that is directly involved in fish farming/aquaculture.
  • An agri-food industry organization that is both:
    • a corporation incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation or similar entity under an Act of Canada or a province or territory of Canada and is in good standing under that Act
    • has operations in Ontario (that is, located in Ontario and, where applicable, have a membership composed primarily of Ontario residents/businesses/organizations).

Note: pet food processors, animal feed processors, retail establishments and restaurants are not eligible.

Available cost-share funding

We reimburse 60% of eligible expenses.

Funding is limited to:

  • $50,000 per business
  • $50,000 per property
  • $50,000 per industry organization

Eligible activities

Activities that need ongoing support that are necessary to guard the health and safety of workers/employees from COVID‑19:

  • Minor modifications throughout an agricultural operation or food processing facilities. This stream excludes congregate housing improvements.
  • COVID‑19 testing for symptomatic employees.
  • On-site employer-based vaccination centres for vaccinations or boosters as well as the cost for rapid test kits.
  • Providing arrangements to support work-site mobility necessary to address immediate health and safety issues due to COVID‑19.

Eligible expenses

Incremental expenses specifically required for the implementation of eligible activities that guard against the spread of COVID‑19 are:

  • Ordered on or after February 16, 2022 and received on or before February 28, 2023.
  • Goods/services are received, projects are fully completed, invoiced and paid for on or prior to February 28, 2023.
  • Procured through a transaction with a third-party that is at Arm's Length from the business that incurred and paid for the expense.
  • Procured through a process that is transparent, fair and promotes the best value for the money expended at competitive prices no greater than fair market value after deducting available discounts.

Physical distancing measures

  • Workplace minor modifications to allow for proper health and safety measures and physical distancing (for example, barriers, touchless systems, washrooms/wash stations). (This does not include housing modifications).
  • Purchase of agriculture/agri-food equipment / machinery that would enable physical distancing.
  • Purchases for communal workplace eating areas that would enable physical distancing as follows:
    1. one dining set with table and chairs in good condition for every 10 workers
    2. one microwave for every 10 workers
    3. one oven and stove (with minimum of 4 functional burners) available for every 6 workers
    4. one refrigerator (able to keep foods at 4˚C or lower), with sufficient space for food storage, must be provided for every 6 workers

Preventing disease spread

  • Medical equipment (for example, body temperature remote sensors, thermometers, and COVID-related testing equipment)
  • Vaccination costs not covered by the Government of Canada or the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)

Enhanced sanitization and disinfection

Third-party providing specialized sanitization, disinfection, and sterilizing services to prevent the further spread of COVID‑19.

Translation services for training, testing and vaccinations

Arm’s length translation services required for COVID-related training, testing and COVID‑19 vaccinations.

Air circulation and filtration in enclosed work environments

New/upgraded COVID‑19 related air circulation and air filtration required for enclosed work environments. Not for congregate housing.

Transportation

COVID-related worksite mobility and transportation expenses to enable workers/employees to access the work site or vaccine clinics and transportation to/from airport to meet quarantine requirements (for example, car rental/bus rental/taxi services)

Ineligible expenses

  • Expenses to address usual business practices, expansion, or any other non-COVID‑19 related objectives (includes toilet paper, paper towel, garbage bags, regular cleaning and sanitation products and activities).
  • Minor /major modifications to congregate housing.
  • Purchase of wearable technology such as smart jewelry, fitness trackers, body mounted sensors for healthcare not related to contact tracing technology.
  • Purchase of major capital items, except for agriculture/agri-food equipment/machinery that would enable physical distancing.
  • Purchases for office areas of the business (for example, desks, chairs).
  • Accommodation expenses for quarantine or isolation due to a COVID-positive test result, or a public health unit/Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development order related to COVID‑19 (“self-isolation period”).
  • Costs for the development/update of a business’ COVID‑19 workplace safety plan
  • Any IAWs congregate housing expense(s) are not eligible for submission under Stream 1; includes construction, renovation and purchases of any buildings for congregate housing.

Stream 2: Wage, Isolation and Quarantine Support for Employers of International Agri-food Workers and Domestic Workers in Ontario

This stream reimburses businesses that were impacted by outbreaks of COVID‑19 and faced extraordinary costs related to employee wage supports and worker/employee isolation and quarantine measures.

Who is eligible?

A business that employs three or more paid workers/employees and is one of the following:

  • An established food or beverage processor that is a legal entity and is a manufacturer and is currently directly involved in the transformation of agricultural commodities, food, beverage, or agri-based bio-products in Ontario. Transformation means physically or chemically changing an agricultural commodity, food, beverage, or an agri-based bio-product.
  • An established farm business that is a legal entity and produces agricultural commodities in Ontario under a valid Farm Business Registration Number (FBRN), or an allowable religious or cultural exemption.
  • A business that is a legal entity located in Ontario that provides primary food processing for fruit and vegetable crops. Primary food processing involves cutting, cleaning, packaging, storage and refrigeration of raw plant foods to ensure that they are not spoiled before they reach the consumer.
  • A business that is a legal entity located in Ontario and provides one of the following on-farm services where agriculture employees operate within proximity of one another:
    • poultry catchers/vaccinators
    • corn detasselers
    • professional barn cleaners
    • hatcheries
    • transporters of agricultural commodities
    • sales barns/auction houses of agricultural commodities
  • A business that is a legal entity located in Ontario that is directly involved in fish farming/aquaculture.
  • An agri-food industry organization that is both:
    • a corporation incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation or similar entity under an Act of Canada or a province or territory of Canada and is in good standing under that Act; and
    • has operations in Ontario (that is, located in Ontario and, where applicable, have a membership composed primarily of Ontario residents/businesses/organizations).

Note: pet food processors, animal feed processors, retail establishments and restaurants are not eligible.

Available cost-share funding

We reimburse 100% of eligible expenses.

Eligible activities

Activities directly related to COVID‑19 outbreaks on-farm and in primary processing operations and on-farm services:

  • Eligible businesses can claim up to 5 weeks of wages that have been paid to each worker/employee exclusively for the period they were unable to work due to a COVID-positive test result, or a public health unit/Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development order related to COVID‑19 (“self-isolation period”). This does not include other expenses or wages that were paid to any worker/employee for initial self-isolation when the worker/employee arrived in Canada to start work.
  • Providing alternate accommodations for up to 5 weeks for employees, transportation, and incremental meal costs necessary for workers/employees in self-isolation.
  • Providing businesses with ancillary accommodation expenses for up to five weeks necessary for the employee during self-isolation. This includes health assessments performed by third party services as per the Ministry of Health COVID‑19 Farm Outbreak Guidance.

Eligible expenses

Certain wage expenses

For wage expenses to be eligible for reimbursement, all criteria must be met:

  • Wages have been paid to each worker/employee exclusively for the period they were unable to work due to a COVID-positive test result, or a Public health unit/Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development order related to COVID‑19 (“self-isolation period”).
  • Businesses must provide employees, who are eligible for wage subsidies for a quarantine /isolation period, with wages for a minimum of 30 hours per week at the hourly rate of pay specified on the confirmed Labour Market Impact Assessment and/or an offer of employment contract.
  • If the business/worker/employee is eligible to receive any other form of wage compensation for the self-isolation period, the business/worker/employee (as applicable) has applied for that wage compensation; and the amount of any wage compensation the business/worker/employee is eligible to receive is disclosed on the submission form.
  • Other forms of wage compensation include but are not limited to benefits received from Employment Insurance, Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB), Ontario Paid Infectious Disease Emergency Leave and the Ontario COVID‑19 Worker Income Protection Benefit program.
  • Wage claims do not exceed the ordinary wages each worker/employee would have earned from the business had the worker/employee been able to work, less the amount of any other form of wage compensation that the business/worker/employee received or is eligible to receive.
  • Cumulatively, wages claimed do not exceed the amount of wages the business has paid each worker/employee, less the amount of any other form of wage compensation that the business/worker/employee received or is eligible to receive.
  • Wages were paid to each worker/employee for a self-isolation period that occurred between February 16, 2022, and February 28, 2023.
  • Wages were paid only to workers/employees that are at arm's length from the business.
  • Wages were not paid to any worker/employee whose wage expenses have already been reimbursed or are requested to be reimbursed for the maximum number of weeks of self-isolation eligible for reimbursement (that is, five weeks, whether consecutive or not consecutive).
  • Wages being claimed for reimbursement are not the wages that were paid to any worker/employee for initial self-isolation when the worker/employee arrived in Canada to start work that occurred between February 16, 2022, and September 30, 2022.
Accommodations
Expenses for employee accommodation during isolation
  • Certain incremental costs directly related to the isolation period of the employee (for example accommodations, transportation and meal costs) between February 16, 2022, and February 28, 2023, inclusive.
  • Support for businesses to access health assessments and resources including rapid test kits, third-party monitoring of workers in quarantine a minimum of a twice daily (especially if there are positive cases, symptomatic individuals and unvaccinated or immunocompromised individuals identified) and any translation services, as needed.
  • For IAWs not in quarantine or isolation: release time for IAWs to access in-person services as needed, specifically COVID‑19 PCR testing, medical or mental health care and resources.
Expenses for quarantine and isolation
  • Incremental expenses for arrangements for worker/employee accommodations and transportation (including ancillary expenses), and meal costs necessary for self-isolation, that were incurred and paid by the business to support employees:
    • For only the period they were unable to work due to a COVID-positive test result, or a public health unit/Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development order related to COVID‑19 (“self-isolation period”).
    • For a self-isolation period that occurred between February 16, 2022, and February 28, 2023; and
    • Not for a worker/employee whose expenses have already been reimbursed or are requested to be reimbursed for the maximum number of weeks of self-isolation eligible for reimbursement (that is, five weeks, whether consecutive or not consecutive).
  • Expenses procured exclusively through both:
    • a transaction with a third-party that is at arm's length from the business that incurred and paid for the expense
    • a process that is transparent, fair and promotes the best value for the money expended at competitive prices no greater than fair market value after deducting available discounts
  • Short-term accommodations (for example, hotel room rentals, dorm rentals, house rental/lease and trailer rentals) to enable physical distancing best practices and allow workers/employees to attend workplaces.
Expenses for meals
  • Incremental expenses that the business incurred because of worker/employee self-isolation and would not have incurred otherwise.
  • Groceries, prepared meals and restaurant food, excluding alcohol and not exceeding $45.00 per day per worker/employee (including delivery charges, taxes and gratuities).

Ineligible expenses

  • Expenses for accommodation or wages that were already paid or eligible for payment to any worker/employee for initial self-isolation when the worker/employee arrived in Canada to start work that occurred between February 16, 2022, and September 30, 2022.
  • Expenses for accommodations or wages that were paid or eligible for payment to any worker/employee due for an extension to the federal mandated quarantine for any reasons such as tests being lost, misplaced or unavailable.
  • Expenses to address usual business practices, expansion, or any other non-COVID‑19 related objectives.
  • Not for a worker/employee whose expenses have already been reimbursed or are requested to be reimbursed for the maximum number of weeks of self-isolation eligible for reimbursement (that is, five weeks, whether consecutive or not consecutive).

Stream 3: Congregate Housing Infection Prevention and Control Measures (CHIPC)

This stream reimburses businesses for minor modifications throughout congregate employee housing, to implement appropriate health and safety measures and meet physical distancing and isolation requirements.

Who is eligible?

A business that employs and provides congregate housing for three or more paid workers/employees and is one of the following:

  • An established farm business that is a legal entity and produces agricultural commodities in Ontario under a valid Farm Business Registration Number (FBRN), or an allowable religious or cultural exemption.
  • A business that is a legal entity located in Ontario that provides primary food processing for fruit and vegetable crops. Primary food processing involves cutting, cleaning, packaging, storage and refrigeration of raw plant foods to ensure that they are not spoiled before they reach the consumer.
  • A business that is a legal entity located in Ontario and provides one of the following on-farm services where agriculture employees operate within proximity of one another:
    • poultry catchers/vaccinators
    • corn detasselers
    • professional barn cleaners
    • hatcheries
    • transporters of agricultural commodities
    • sales barns/auction houses of agricultural commodities
  • A business that is a legal entity located in Ontario that is directly involved in fish farming/aquaculture.
  • An agri-food industry organization that is both:
    • a corporation incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation or similar entity under an Act of Canada or a province or territory of Canada and is in good standing under that Act
    • has operations in Ontario (that is, located in Ontario and, where applicable, have a membership composed primarily of Ontario residents/businesses/organizations).
  • Has joined the Registry of Employers of International Agri-Food Workers (OMAFRA) if the business employs international agri-food workers under the federal Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Note: employers of domestic workers providing congregate living do not need to register.

Note: pet food processors, animal feed processors, retail establishments and restaurants are not eligible.

Available cost-share funding

We reimburse 50% of eligible expenses.

Funding is limited to:

  • $100,000 per business
  • $100,000 per property
  • $100,000 per industry organization

Eligible activities

Modifications throughout the congregate employee housing and communal areas in congregate housing to:

  • promote the implementation of appropriate health and safety measures
  • meet physical distancing and isolation to reduce the spread of COVID‑19

Eligible expenses

Incremental expenses specifically required for the implementation of eligible activities that guard against the spread of COVID‑19 are:

  • Ordered on or after February 16, 2022, and received on or before February 28, 2023.
  • Goods/services are received, projects are fully completed, invoiced and paid for on or prior to February 28, 2023.
  • Procured through a transaction with a third-party that is at arm's length from the business that incurred and paid for the expense.
  • Procured through a process that is transparent, fair and promotes the best value for the money expended at competitive prices no greater than fair market value after deducting available discounts.

Assessments/consultations

Third-party consultation of current communal housing for IAWs.

Consultation may assist employer by providing expert advice and recommendation based on provincial and federal jurisdictional housing standards and legislation, regulations, and guidelines, including but not limited to building codes and public health guidelines.

Modifications to congregate housing

  • Building structure modifications (for example, roofs, windows doors, additions to already existing congregate housing).
  • Renovations to bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchens and communal areas.
  • Heating, ventilation and air conditioning, HEPA air filtration, winterization.
  • IAW welfare area furnishings (including beds, bedding, mattresses, privacy expenses (lockers).
  • Kitchen and communal area (for example, fixtures, appliances and furniture, tables, chairs), to allow:
    • one dining set with table and chairs in good condition for every 10 workers
    • one microwave for every 10 workers
    • one oven and stove (with minimum of 4 functional burners) available for every 6 workers
    • one refrigerator (able to keep foods at 4°C or lower)
    • water filtration systems
  • Purchase of new fixed permanent congregate housing structures (for example, permanent modular homes or trailers).

Wi-Fi equipment

Installation or upgrade of WIFI equipment on the applicant’s property directly related to expanding worker access to WIFI within employer-provided housing/accommodations, to enable physical distancing.

This does not include computers, tablets, smartphones or monthly Wi-Fi/wireless communication expenses.

Ineligible expenses

  • Expenses for activities or practices that do not comply with the Building Code or existing standards.
  • Expenses for activities or practices that do not conform with the current IPAC measures for congregate housing included in the following resource:
  • Costs for activities for the purpose of meeting current regulatory requirements or standards, as IAW housing should meet these minimum requirements.
  • Bunk beds.
  • Purchase of houses with the exception of permanent modular homes and fixed mobile homes.
  • Purchase of temporary or mobile homes that are relocatable.
  • Purchase of housing or the cost of housing improvements for individuals connected by blood relationship, marriage, or common-law partnership or adoption.
  • Personal housing improvements and purchases.
  • Utility expenses related to congregate housing improvements (for example, hydro to new modular home, bringing utilities to housing).
  • Purchase of septic systems or septic system improvements.

All streams: ineligible program expenses

  • Expenses to address usual business practices, expansion or any other non-COVID‑19 related objectives (includes toilet paper, paper towel, garbage bags etc., regular sanitation activities).
  • Expenses related to retail or other on-site sales activities.
  • Expenses for activities/practices that are not in accordance with any standard or guideline of an appropriate authority (for example, Ontario Ministry of Labour),
  • Monthly Wi-Fi/wireless communication expenses.
  • Purchase of computers, tablets, smartphones, security systems.
  • Purchase of wearable technology such as smart jewelry, fitness trackers, body-mounted sensors for healthcare not related to contact tracing technology.
  • Purchase of major capital items, with the exception of agriculture/agri-food equipment/machinery under Stream 1 and permanent housing purchases and improvements for workers stated under Stream 3.
  • New builds.
  • Land and/or real estate purchases.
  • Purchase and expenses of on and off-road vehicles (for example, repairs/maintenance, fuel, etc.).
  • In-kind contributions.
  • Deposits (prepayments) for which goods or services are not yet fully received
  • Expenses of permits and approvals.
  • Financing charges, loan and lease interest payments, bank fees and charges, debt restructuring or fundraising.
  • Taxes, including harmonized sales tax.
  • Refund or rebate portion of any expense for which the business receives or is eligible to receive a refund or rebate.
  • Costs for the development/update of a business’ COVID‑19 workplace safety plan.
  • Costs incurred in preparing a submission for EAWPP funding.
  • Legal fees.
  • Professional services not necessary for the eligible activity
  • Expenses for goods and services that are not acquired through a transaction with a third-party that is:
    • transparent, fair, and promotes the best value for the money expended at competitive prices no greater than fair market value after deducting available discounts; and
    • at arm's length from the business within the criteria set out in section 251 of the Income Tax Act (Canada)
  • Any other expenditure deemed by the minister to be ineligible.
  • Any expenses for which the business has been reimbursed.
  • Contractor expenses (for example, contractor insurance).
  • Expenses not considered eligible under the eligible expenses for that stream.

After you apply

Applications will be reviewed based on the submitted information on a continuous basis from November 10, 2022, to January 31, 2023, at 5 p.m. ET.

We evaluate applications only based on the information you submit.

We do not consider any application that is incomplete or does not meet the eligibility criteria. This includes registration to the Transfer Payment Common Registry.

Submit a claim

To request reimbursement for eligible expenses, submit the following by March 15, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. ET:

  • Completed claim form
  • Copies of all paid invoices/receipts
    • Each document must include the order/invoice date
    • If the item was not received when ordered/invoiced, proof of date of receipt of items (shipping and receiving documents)
  • For Stream 1: photos of equipment purchased
  • For Stream 3: photos of improvements to congregate housing
  • Payroll records, if applicable
  • Proof of payment for all paid invoices. Each proof of payment you submit for a paid invoice must indicate:
    • who paid
    • who received payment
    • amount of payment
    • date of payment (must be between February 16, 2022 to February 28, 2023 inclusive)
  • Proof of payment may be any one of the following:
    • copy of the front and back of a cancelled cheque
    • electronic image of a processed cheque
    • statement from banking institution that indicates:
      • the payee of the processed cheque or electronic payment
      • the amount paid
    • credit card or debit card receipt or statement clearly identifying amount and to whom the payment was made — make sure you black out card numbers and other information, including costs that are unrelated to the project

You may submit multiple claim forms up to March 15, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. ET, as long as you have not reached the maximum funding limit and funding is still available.

Funds are available on a first-come first-served basis, based on the submission of a complete claim.

We may request any additional information from you that we consider necessary (for example, copies of any permits you get in conducting the project and photos). We also reserve the right to inspect and verify costs and/or equipment associated with claim.

All applicants will receive feedback on whether or not their application has been approved.

Stacking cost-share funding

You may not stack funding provided under this program with funding from:

  • other provincial programs
  • the Canadian Agricultural Partnership or its successor

You may stack cost-shared funding from other federal or municipal cost-share funding programs, only if stacking is permitted under the terms and conditions of those programs. Combined federal cost-sharing funding and funding under this program cannot exceed 100% of a project's eligible expenses.

You must disclose all project funding sources (including funding from federal or municipal programs) in the application form.

Definitions

Ancillary expenses: expenses for accommodation and transportation including but not limited to:

  • third-party security, translator costs during isolation
  • third-party services to help to prevent disease spread (for example, third-party services to conduct COVID‑19 testing outside of the quarantine period and perform COVID‑19-related medical checks, third-party cleaning services to increase frequency and extent of cleaning, security)
  • PPE required for isolation or transportation

Arm’s length: an entity that is not related, not affiliated, or otherwise controlled by another member or members determined under section 251 of the Income Tax Act (Canada). If you have any questions about whether a supplier meets this requirement, please contact OMAFRA at 1-877-424-1300.

Congregate housing: shared employee housing provided to:

  • IAWs by their employers who are approved workers through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program
  • domestic workers who are at-arm’s-length employees, living in employer provided accommodation while working in the agri-food sector

Worker/employee: any person paid by the business and who receives a T4 slip from the business and is at arm’s length from the business.

Terms and conditions

To be considered for funding under the Enhanced Agri-Food Workplace Protection Program (“the program”), an eligible business must agree to be bound by the terms and conditions herein.

The business must be a legal entity that meets all eligibility requirements as set out above.

The individual who submits the application form must be a person who is authorized by the eligible business to submit the form on behalf of the eligible business and to bind the eligible business to the contents herein. The eligible business is referred to as “the business.”

By submitting the form, the individual is:

Certifying to:

  • Having read, understood and abided by all program requirements, as well as being in agreement to continue to abide by all program requirements. These requirements include that:
  • It was necessary for the business to incur each expense submitted in order to address an immediate health and safety issue impacting the business that is directly related to COVID‑19 and listed in the program guidelines.
  • No ineligible expenses (as listed in the program guidelines) are being submitted.
  • Health and safety measures related to each expense submitted are in place at the time of submission, or otherwise will be put in place no later than 30 days after the date the form is submitted.
  • Expenses submitted were received by the business on or after February 16, 2022, and on or before February 28, 2023.
  • Each expense submitted has already been invoiced to the business, received by the business and paid for by the business.
  • Each expense submitted was incurred by the business through a transaction with a third party that was:
  • At arm's length, namely an entity that is not related, not affiliated, or otherwise controlled by another member or members within the criteria set out in section 251 of the Income Tax Act (Canada); and
  • Transparent, fair, and promotes the best value for the money expended at competitive prices no greater than fair market value after deducting available discounts.
  • All information submitted on the application form is true and complete, to the best of your knowledge, belief and understanding.
  • The business is in compliance with all requirements of the law, namely all applicable statutes, regulations, by-laws, ordinances, codes, official plans, rules, approvals, permits, licenses, authorizations, orders, decrees, injunctions, directions, agreements and program guidelines.
  • Amounts of funding sourced from federal, provincial and municipal governments for a submitted expense do not, and will not, exceed 100% of the amount of the expense.
  • The business does not currently owe any money to Ontario, or a description of the business' debt to Ontario is attached to the application form.
  • No officer, director or employee of the business, or other beneficiary of the expenses, is a current or former federal public office holder or federal public servant, or, if any officer, director or employee of the business is a current or former federal public officer holder or federal public servant, they are in compliance with the Conflict of Interest Act, the Conflict of Interest Code for Members of the House of Commons, the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector, and the Policy on Conflict of Interest and Post-Employment, as applicable.

Certifying that the business:

  • Will retain all records relating to any payments made to the business, including all invoices and proof of payment in an organized and business-like manner for at least seven (7) years from the date the application form was submitted.
  • Will consent to Ontario publishing information about the health and safety measures (“activities”) funded including the amount of funding the business has been approved to receive and/or has received, and the nature and results of any activities funded, along with the business' name.
  • Will use as part of its activities and retain ownership, possession and control of any tangible asset with a fair market value of over $10,000 purchased, contributed, constructed, developed or otherwise acquired by the business under this program for at least two years following acquisition. For greater certainty, this includes refraining from leasing or otherwise encumbering these tangible assets. Further, “fair market value” means the highest price that would be agreed to in an open and unrestricted market between knowledgeable, informed, and willing parties acting at arm's length, who are under no compulsion to transact.

Acknowledging and accepting that:

  • Ontario reserves the right to refuse to accept the application form where it is not completed to Ontario's satisfaction.
  • Funding is provided through a discretionary, non-entitlement program and the business is not entitled to funding merely as a consequence of submitting an application form. Payment is subject to Ontario having sufficient money within its existing budget, including receiving all the necessary appropriations from the Ontario Legislature; the business and the business' activities satisfying eligibility criteria and eligible expense criteria; and the business' compliance with all terms and conditions.
  • Payments, if any, are not proof of an applicant’s compliance with requirements of law, including COVID-related requirements. The ministry reserves the right to inspect premises itself or by its agents for compliance purposes and to claw back funds in whole or in part if an instance of non-compliance is found.
  • If it is determined the business has received a payment the business was not eligible to receive, through administrative error or otherwise, the business will repay any and all payments that the business was not eligible to receive as well as any surplus funding.
  • Any payments made to the business may be subject to recovery or offset against the business' pre-existing debts to the Crown in Right of Ontario. Ontario may charge interest on any money owing by the business at the then current rate charged by Ontario on accounts receivable.
  • Ontario including the respective ministers, directors, officers, agents, employees or representatives (as applicable), shall not be liable for any damage or loss whatsoever, or howsoever arising, including damage or loss arising from any advice, opinions, representations, warranties or the provision of information.
  • The rights and obligations under the program are governed by Ontario law. The Courts of Ontario will have exclusive jurisdiction over any proceedings related to the program.
  • The information provided may be used and disclosed to conduct audits, enforce the terms and conditions of the Program, confirm that the person in receipt of payments under the Program paid taxes on the payments, and collect any debt owing.
  • The information, with the exception of the Social Insurance Number (SIN) provided by sole proprietors, members of unincorporated entities and partners in a partnership where they do not have Canada Revenue Agency business numbers, may be used and disclosed to, amongst other things, verify compliance with other provincial and federal funding initiatives, confirm the information provided, verify eligibility and ensure there is no duplication of funding.
  • The information provided may, with the exception of the SIN, be subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (Ontario) or the Access to Information Act (Canada).
  • Any money received under the program is for the administration of a social or economic program or for the provision of direct or indirect support to members of the public in connection with social and economic policy.

Consenting to the following on behalf of the business:

  • To provide accurate, timely and full information, including supporting documentation, to Ontario and notify Ontario immediately in the event there are any changes to the information provided.
  • To provide Ontario and their authorized representatives with any information or access to a person, place or thing within the timelines provided by Ontario or its authorized representatives.
  • To comply with onsite field inspections and/or audits by Ontario and Ontario's authorized representatives upon notice, and during normal business hours, to verify eligibility, and to evaluate compliance with the requirements of the Program.
  • To comply with reviews by Ontario of information related to other programs and initiatives delivered by, or for, Ontario in which the business is enrolled or has applied.
  • The use of the business' name and contact information by Ontario to contact the business for the purpose of evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of programming, or for any other similar purpose.
  • To acknowledge Ontario's support in the following manner where the business receives funding under this program: "The [insert what health and safety COVID-related measures were funded] is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs."

In the event of a conflict between anything set out on this page and the Minister's Order 0004/2020 under which this program is created, the Minister's Order will prevail. Errors and omissions excepted.

For questions about EAWPP please email AgRuralPrograms@ontario.ca.