September 28, 2010

Canada invests US$1.94 million in Quebec's livestock industry

Canadian Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister of State (Agriculture), the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, announced a federal investment of CAD2 million (US$1.94 million) through the Slaughter Improvement Programme to strengthen Quebec's livestock sector.

Under Canada's Economic Action Plan, the investment will help Les Viandes de la Petite-Nation Inc. upgrade their meat processing facility so that producers in Quebec can continue delivering high-quality products to consumers.

Les Viandes de la Petite-Nation Inc. is the only multi-species federally-inspected abattoir in the Outaouais region of Western Quebec and is licensed to slaughter and process up to 10 different species of animals. With this investment, the company will be increasing its capacity and undertaking a variety of projects to improve operations including upgrading the water treatment system, modifying their facilities, expanding freezer capacity, and installing a new ventilation system.

"This expansion will allow us to better service the many farmers and local markets in our region as well as increase our export capabilities," said Douglas Harpur, president of Les Viandes de la Petite-Nation Inc.

Canada's CAD60-million (US$58-million) Slaughter Improvement Programme, as part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, makes repayable contributions available to support sound business plans aimed at reducing costs, increasing revenues and improving operations of red meat packing and processing operations in Canada.

With more than CAD20 billion (US$19 billion) in sales, the red meat industry is Canada's single largest employer in the food industry.