Compass seeking to support local agriculture

The Compass Program is always seeking ways to provide valuable opportunities for youth 14-30 in the Stanstead area. With some summer jobs unavailable this year, students are having a difficult time finding summer employment. As an answer, an exciting opportunity recently launched by Agricarrières

and the Union des Producteurs Agricoles (UPA) could help youth find valuable work this season while answering the labour needs in Quebec’s agricultural sector. The project is titled J’y Vais Sur-le-champ and aims to help people who are out of work because of COVID-19, find employment in agriculture. As a rural community, this project has the potential to help youth who are without jobs and also local farms looking to hire in and around the Stanstead area.

The proposed incentive for workers is $100/week for a minimum of 25 hours per week during the measure period. To qualify, the farm worker must work during the period of application of the measure on a farm producing food for the purpose of ensuring the food security of the population; must be paid the minimum wage ($13.10 as of May 1); and be registered with the Agricultural Employment Centre in your area.

The tasks are varied and depend on the geographical location of the candidates, physical conditions, and the needs of producers. There are also different positions to be filled. For instance, positions could include field workers, greenhouses workers, machinery operators, etc.

This program is for people who find themselves unemployed due to the closure of several businesses as well as all agricultural workers who work at the minimum wage. It is not mandatory to have experience in agriculture and a free online training is available to gain a better knowledge of agricultural work and apply safe and effective working techniques on the farm.

For questions about the program or how to register; contact Compass Coordinator, Elizabeth Courchesne at ecourchesne@phelpshelps.ca or on Facebook.

Phelps Aide Phelps Helps was founded in 2012 and has grown organically from a single high school tutoring program to six unique programs, providing the Stanstead area with free educational and career support. For more information or to volunteer, please email us at info@phelpshelps.ca, visit our website at www.phelpshelps.ca.