Covid-19 & HRM economy

[OldDartmouthMark]

Regarding COVID and the economy, there's one thing I've noticed that perplexes me a little. This isn't about HRM specifically as I think it applies to most of the country. I can already think of some reasons why it is this way, but would be interested in what others think.

With all the service industry layoffs, that has pretty much devastated the industry and put many many thousands of people out of work, plus other industries stating that they are experiencing hard times because of the difficulty of bringing in foreign workers, why hasn't there been some effort for government to play matchmaker and create some incentive for unemployed restaurant workers to help out farmers who need hands to harvest crops, for a specific example?

To my way of thinking, there will be some challenges in that, perhaps logistical or otherwise, but it seems like a no-brainer to match many people who are out of work with many people who need workers. Instead we are bringing in workers from out of country, where much of the wages paid will end up, while draining money out of Canada's reserves to subsidize people out of work.

Don't misunderstand my point, I do applaud the government's work to try to help people who have fallen on hard times from the restrictions put in place, but it just seems like there could be more done to help people earn wages (which will also be better for their self esteem) while helping industries that need workers, with the side effect of helping the country's financial position.