Thank you, Guy, and thank you, Mr. Chair.
I'd like to thank all the committee members, on behalf of the Canadian Produce Marketing Association, for the opportunity to speak on the ongoing supply chain disruptions having a significant impact on the fresh fruit and vegetable industry, agri-food supply chain and the Canadian economy.
I'll start by saying that many of the supply chain issues we're facing today existed before the pandemic and have been dramatically amplified and further complicated over the last two years. The committee has heard a lot about labour from earlier testimony, so we will not dive into this issue, except to say that labour is undoubtedly a significant piece of the puzzle.
In addition to our ongoing call for improved access to workers under SAWP and the agriculture stream of the TFW program, CPMA is extremely supportive of the proposal for an emergency foreign worker program, as highlighted by Food and Beverage Canada and the Canadian Meat Council.
Regarding our supply chain disruptions, our members are facing death by a thousand cuts as a result of the layering of disruptions, which my chair will touch on shortly. Supply chain issues impacting a fresh produce supply chain that deals in just-in-time delivery of highly perishable food means not only lost sales but also product spoilage and food waste.
There is no doubt that the ongoing supply chain disruptions are complex and interconnected, and so too are the solutions. They require action across multiple federal ministries and departments as well as collaboration with provincial, territorial and local governments.
Short-term and long-term plans need to be established to start the creation of a mechanism to prioritize the movement of perishable and essential goods in the event of disruptions, as we’ve experienced over the last two years.
Additionally, there is a need for a centralized focus in the form of a supply chain commissioner who is mandated and empowered to bring the necessary parties together to find a solution.
We would be happy to discuss the recommendations that were provided to committee.
At this time, I would like to hand it over to my chair, Guy Milette, as he can provide his perspective on the situation and real-life experiences.