Ottawa, Ontario – The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, joined Montpak and other Laval and Montreal area food processors, to highlight the almost $2 million in investments under the Emergency Processing Fund for nine local food processors to support their efforts in keeping their employees safe and our food system strong.
Altogether, the nine processors employ approximately 14,500 workers. This funding will support these processors to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE), and reorganize their operations to help ensure physical distancing of employees.
These investments include $686,779 for Montpak International Inc. and $346,340 for Saputo Dairy Products Canada, to support investments in employee health, safety and security measures as a result of Covid-19.
The seven other local food processors approved for up to $899,273 include Les Aliments Fontaine Sante Inc., Premium Brands Holdings Corporation, Goodfood Market Corp. Bassé & Frères Alimentation Orientale, Lantic Inc.,Prana Biovegan Inc, and Distillerie Blue Pearl Inc.
The Emergency Processing Fund is focused on projects that respond to the urgent health and safety needs of workers in agri-food sectors impacted by COVID-19, with an emphasis on supporting meat processing facilities in Canada.
The Government of Canada will continue working with food processors to ensure the well-being of essential workers in food processing plants across Canada while strengthening the resilience of our food supply chain.
Source : Government of Canada