Canadian meat processors, especially those in rural and remote areas, are struggling to meet rising international demand due to ongoing labour shortages. In response, the Food Processing Human Resources Council (FPHRC) launched *Meat of the Matter*, the first phase of the *Securing Canada’s Meat Workforce* project. This report provides an in-depth analysis of labour market information (LMI) with a focus on remote meat processors. It draws on eight case studies covering 14 plants, commissioned by the Canadian Meat Council, highlighting key HR challenges such as recruitment and retention, and their impact on business and local economies. To identify broader trends, the report also integrates HR data from the Ontario Independent Meat Processors Association and the BC Association of Abattoirs.
Many Canadian meat processors say they are unable to meet increasing demand for their products in international markets due to labour shortfalls. Meat processors located in rural or remote regions are particularly struggling to fill critical vacancies.
To increase the meat processing capacity to meet growing international demand, The Plants are prioritizing investment, innovation, and expansion at their Canadian facilities.
The average labour force unemployment rate for the economic regions surrounding The Plants is 5.8 per cent – below the 6.8 per cent national average.
