The Government of New Brunswick will invest up to $500,000 to support the province’s food service industry to offset onboarding and training costs.
A release says it’s being done through a partnership between WorkingNB, Restaurants Canada and the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour.
“We recognize the pandemic has impacted some sectors to a greater extent than others,” said Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Trevor Holder in a statement.
“Critical labour shortages have been persistent in the food service industry, and we are committed to being part of the solution by providing financial support to help offset the costs of recruitment, onboarding and training for new employees in this sector.”
Officials say restaurant owners can apply online and receive $500 per new hire, up to a maximum of five new hires.
The support, which will be administered by Restaurants Canada, is available until April 2024.
“No other industry was impacted by the pandemic like the food service industry,” said Richard Alexander, the Atlantic vice president for Restaurants Canada, in a news release.
“Pandemic-related debt, labour shortages and inflation have put the industry in a crisis. This partnership between the Government of New Brunswick and Restaurants Canada will help the industry recover and continue to contribute significantly to employment, the economy and tourism sector in New Brunswick.”