The federal government is launching a new 3-year economic immigration pilot program that will fill labour shortages in meat processing and mushroom production.

This new pilot aims to attract and retain workers by providing them with an opportunity to become permanent residents.

"The success of our Canadian farmers and food processors depends on their ability to recruit and retain the workforce they need to capture opportunities at home and abroad," said Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. "This pilot will help to ensure that employers in the agriculture and agri-food sector have the people they need to get the job done, to help drive our economy and to feed the world."

Approximately 16,500 possible new residents will be accepted over the 3-year program.

Temporary foreign workers will be able to apply under this program in early 2020.