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COVID-19 Updates and Resources

Canada’s food and consumer goods manufacturers make the products Canadians rely on every day, now more than ever.  We also employ more than 300,000 people across the country.  

With the country coming together to limit the spread of Covid-19 and its impacts, our commitments to our colleagues and team members are clear. Health and safety are our top priorities, and we will do everything we can to make sure Canadians continue to find the products they need on store shelves as this situation evolves. 

Read more from our CEO and read our open letter to all Canadians. 

The latest from FHCP

• COVID-19 vaccination critical for long-term safety of essential food, health, and consumer goods workers
• Best practices for employee health and facility safety
• Securing Canada’s Essential Goods Supply as Pandemic Continues: FHCP Pandemic Preparedness Checklist

Are there food shortages in Canada?

• No. 
• It is understandably disconcerting to see empty shelves in grocery stores, but that is a result of a short spike in demand as consumers have been preparing.
• Canadian food manufacturers are confident that our supplies and production capacity remain strong.  Supplies are already reaching stores, and there is every reason to stay calm and focused.  Read more from our CEO.

Can Covid-19 be transmitted via food?

• The government of Canada has concluded: “There is currently no evidence to suggest that food is a likely source or route of transmission of the virus. Scientists and food safety authorities across the world are closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19.”

Can Covid-19 be transmitted via packaging?

• The government of Canada has concluded: “Coronaviruses generally do not survive on surfaces after being contaminated. The risk of spread from products shipped over a period of days or weeks at room temperature is very low.  There is no known risk of coronaviruses entering Canada on parcels or packages.”
•  Some customers may be concerned about packages in stores and other public places.  It is important to practice prevention and good hand hygiene at all times, and consumers can find up-to-date information about prevention and risks here.

General resources for businesses

• Facebook Business Resource Hub and Small Business Resilience Toolkit
• Business Development Bank of Canada support for entrepreneurs
• Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME) has also developed an extensive list of Covid-19 Resources that you may find helpful for ensuring ongoing monitoring in relation to your business operations.

Information about supply chains

• EDC webinar "Coronavirus (COVID-19): Managing the impact on global supply chains"
• International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) report on impacts and lessons learned from previous pandemics

Information about travel and events 

• American Society of Association Executives resources including a recorded webinar and information and questions about events.

Information about planning and preparedness

• Canadian Chamber of Commerce Crisis Communications Plan and a Business Continuity and Recovery Plan 
• Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME) has also developed an extensive list of Covid-19 Resources that you may find helpful for ensuring ongoing monitoring in relation to your business operations.

Information from FHCP Associate Members

• McCarthy Tetrault Legal Update (including employee concerns, immigration matters, contracts, commercial leases, litigation risks, trade and border matters, etc.) and COVID-19 Hub
• Cassels client bulletins 
• Baker McKenzie Coronavirus Resource Centre (including client alerts, publications and webinars)
• People Corporation Coronavirus and employer responsibilities around benefits and pensions
• RBC has compiled a useful overview of the Canadian government's economic response to COVID-19.