Canada continues to remain a top destination for migrants all over the world. A stable economy, reliable public health care, affordable public transportation facilities, as well as dependable social welfare all make Canada one of the most amazing places to live on the planet.
Each year, thousands of migrants come to Canada to take advantage of its incredible economy. As the country continues to expand, more workers are needed to join its workforce and cater to the growing population.
Currently, food packaging businesses all over Canada are looking for hard-working and dedicated individuals to join their teams and help them deliver their services to consumers. If it has always been your dream to leave your home country for better opportunities abroad, then this job opening is perfect for you.
The Canadian Food Packaging Industry
Canada has an impressively large food packaging industry that can be subdivided into three segments:
1- By Material Type – referring to businesses described as either Rigid or Flexible.
2- By Application – consisting of those in Fruits & Vegetables, Baked Goods, Dairy Products, Meat and Poultry, Specialty Processed Food, etc.
3- By End-user Industry – which references Restaurants, and others in the Institutional and Hospitality sectors.
As the busy lifestyle intensifies, the country’s demand for convenient and portable products is expected to grow exponentially. Recent economic forecasts insist the food packaging industry will grow at a CAGR of 8.5% in the next few years. More growth is even expected for businesses in the niche of flexible, resealable, eco-friendly, and sustainable packaging formats.
Another factor that has birthed the rise of new start-ups in the food packaging sector is the rapid increase in the health consciousness of consumers. As people are becoming more aware of germs and other contaminants, old packaging systems are becoming obsolete, spurring new enterprises to develop innovative solutions to address the change in demand.
Additionally, the country is also seeing a swarm of new players in end-user industries such as Quick Service Restaurants (QSR), Street Vendors, Home Delivery, Cafés, bars, etc. projected to occupy a market share of more than USD 37.4 billion by 2025.
These new businesses need all the manpower they can get and are willing to sponsor your visa to work as a food packer in Canada if you meet all of their requirements.
Canada Food Packer Job Description
As a food packer in Canada, your job role and duties will generally involve packaging and labeling food items in production facilities, warehouses, or restaurants. You will be required to work within a team where you will all pay pristine attention to details and adhere to strict safety protocols.
Depending on your experience and level of qualification, your role can extend from conducting ordinary packaging operations to being a quality control inspector, packaging supervisor, and warehouse associate. More specific responsibilities of a food packer in Canada include:
- Inspecting and sorting food products for quality and freshness
- Measuring and weighing ingredients for packaging
- Labeling and coding packages according to company standards
- Safe and effective operation of packaging machinery
- Appropriate assembling and sealing of packages
- Loading and unloading packages onto pallets or trucks
- Maintaining a clean and organized work area
Canada Food Packer Skills and Qualifications
To be eligible for employment as a food packer in Canada, you must first be legally eligible for a work visa. This means if you have any stain on your record such as a criminal history or large debts, you will unfortunately be unable to take advantage of this opportunity.
Being a good communicator and having strong physical stamina are equally essential to the role. Additionally, those with prior experience in the food packaging industry also stand a better chance of finding full employment as a food packer in Canada with visa sponsorship. Other requirements include;
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Ability to follow instructions and work independently
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to stand, bend, lift, and move for extended periods
- Basic maths skills for measuring and weighing ingredients
- Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations
Canadian Food Packer Visa Pathways
1. Agri-Food Pilot
The Agri-Food Pilot is designed to address the labor needs of the Canadian agri-food sector. It provides a pathway to permanent residence for experienced, non-seasonal workers in specific industries and occupations.
To be eligible for this pilot program, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have an eligible job offer in an eligible occupation within the agri-food sector.
- If you reside in Canada when you apply, you may choose to meet either the job offer requirement or the educational requirement.
- If you reside outside of Canada when you apply, you must meet both the job offer and educational requirements.
- If you are residing in Canada when you apply, you may choose to meet either the educational requirement or the job offer requirement.
- If you are residing outside of Canada when you apply, then you must meet both the educational requirement and the job offer.
- You must have at least a Canadian high school diploma or an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report from a designated organization or professional body showing completion of a foreign credential at the secondary school level or above.
- The ECA report must be less than 5 years old on the date of your application and issued after the organization’s designation.
2. Other Options
While the Agri-Food Pilot specifically targets the agri-food sector, other pathways exist for food-related jobs:
- LMIA-Based Work Permit: Your employer can apply for a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), demonstrating that no Canadian or permanent resident is available for the position. With the LMIA, you can apply for a closed work permit.
- Transitory Occupant Visa: Foreigners usually need a work permit or a transitory occupant visa to work in Canada’s food packing industry. Specific rules set by Canada’s Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship (IRCC) apply.
Benefits and Salary of Food Packer Role in Canada
On average, food packers in Canada earn around $17 per hour which culminates in about $34,496 per year. If you are starting from the entry-level positions, your salary will be around $29,250 annually while those in more advanced roles can get paid as high as $53,508 per year.
Working as a food packer in Canada is an amazing job role with incredible opportunities. The continuous growth and expansion of the industry presents workers with incredible career advancement options in a long and steady profession. The skills you will learn in advanced roles that require operating complex machinery are invaluable and will greatly increase your value to employers should you wish to switch jobs later on.
Other incredible benefits include;
1. Job Security and Growth
The food industry is booming, and warehouse jobs, including food packing, are in high demand. Job security is strong, and the chances of layoffs are relatively low due to the industry’s growth.
2. No Degree Required
Food packing jobs don’t require a college degree. Your ability to perform tasks matters more than your academic qualifications. It’s an excellent opportunity for those without extensive formal education.
3. Low Entry Barriers
Food packing roles have low entry barriers. You can start with no experience and learn on the job. Technical skills are not necessary; you’ll be doing straightforward tasks that anyone can pick up.
4. Competitive Pay
The median hourly wage for laborers and freight, stock, and material movers in Canada is $18.92 (2022 data). Considering the low entry barriers, this is a competitive wage.
5. Additional Benefits
Many warehouse jobs offer benefits such as health insurance, a retirement plan, and vacation time. Enhanced compensation packages make the job even more attractive.
6. Flexible Hours
Warehouse work often provides flexible hours. Many warehouses operate around the clock, offering various shifts to suit different lifestyles. During peak seasons, you can choose to work more and earn more.
7. Quick Start
Unlike professions with lengthy training, you can **start quickly as a food packer. No need for extensive preparation; you can learn on the job.
8. Positive Work Culture
Warehouses foster a sense of teamwork and camaraderie. Working alongside colleagues in a fast-paced environment creates a positive work culture.
In summary, food packing jobs in Canada provide stability, decent pay, and flexibility—making them an attractive option for those seeking employment.
Examples of companies currently hiring food packers in Canada
Certainly! If you’re interested in working as a food packer in Canada, there are several job opportunities available. Here are some recent listings:
1. Meat Packer at Happy House Fresh Taste Meats Ltd. (Richmond, BC)
- Pack food products into appropriate containers or packages according to company standards.
- Ensure proper sealing of all packages.
- The position pays from $17 per hour
2. Frozen Food Packer at Cool Ocean Impex Inc. (Mississauga, ON)
- Salary $27–$28 per hour
- Handle food safety and handling
- Transport raw materials and finished products
3. Flour Packer at Rogers Foods Ltd. (Chilliwack, BC)
- Responsible for effective and efficient packaging of milled products. Assists in the warehouse as needed.
4. Meat, Seafood, Poultry Packer at SYSCO FOOD SERVICES (Vaughan, ON)
- Reports to the Production Supervisor at Sysco Fine Meats Toronto. Full-time position
5. Packer at Amcor (Brampton, ON)
- Full-time position with overtime opportunities.
6. Packer at Denninger’s Foods of the World (Hamilton, ON)
- R. Denninger Limited prioritizes quality and has been a reputable food company for over 60 years.
7. Bulk Food Packer at West Point Naturals (Metro Vancouver Regional District, BC)
- Hourly wage of $17
- Responsible for packing bulk food products
8. Packer/Production Worker at Totally Raw Pet Food (Dartmouth, NS)
- Exciting opportunities as they expand operations.
- Multiple full-time positions are available
9. Warehouse Worker (Receiver & Packer) at Fresh Direct Produce (Vancouver, BC)
- Hourly pay ranges from $19 to $21
- Dynamic and entrepreneurial environment.
Remember to explore specific job listings, apply directly to employers, and tailor your application to highlight your relevant skills. Good luck with your pursuit of a food packing job in Canada! If you feel you have what it takes to work as a food packer in Canada, please click on the following link to find more employers currently hiring food packers in Canada with visa sponsorship: https://ca.indeed.com/jobs?q=food%20packer&l=
