Two flagship companies in the deli meat industry in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean can continue to expand

Government of Canada awards nearly $2M in financial assistance to two businesses in the agri-food sector

SAINT-BRUNO-LAC-SAINT-JEAN, QC, May 18, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

Businesses need to be able to rely on adequate resources to create and commercialize innovative products. The Government of Canada is therefore determined to support innovative Canadian businesses. As a true economic driver, innovation is the key to success in that it generates growth that benefits businesses and communities.

Two businesses in the agri-food sector, Boucherie Charcuterie Perron Inc. and Charcuterie L. Fortin Ltée. (websites in French only), have been granted a total of $1,850,000 in financial assistance from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED). The support will generate an estimated $6,569,768 in total investments in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region.

The repayable contributions were announced today by Richard Hébert, Member of Parliament for Lac-Saint-Jean, acting on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED.

A $1,000,000 contribution was granted to Boucherie Charcuterie Perron and $850,000 was granted to Charcuterie L. Fortin so that they can carry out projects to improve their productivity and expand. With this financial support, both businesses will be able to upgrade their equipment and facilities, shifting to Industry 4.0 by automating part of their production.

Both companies, which are part of the Nutrinor cooperative, employ nearly 125 people in the region. The products of Boucherie Charcuterie Perron are of exceptionally good quality owing to its rigorous methods and compliance with traditional manufacturing processes in all production phases in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, from livestock nutrition to meat processing. Charcuterie L. Fortin made its mark through the authenticity of its products and offers consumers superior quality meats.

The funding awarded by the Government of Canada through CED's Quebec Economic Development Program will help the recipient businesses continue to grow and improve their production capacity.

Quotes

"I am proud of the Government of Canada's financial support for these two Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean businesses, which set themselves apart by their vitality, their desire to offer high-quality products and their innovation. These contributions will help them continue to develop and generate economic growth in our region."

Richard Hébert, Member of Parliament for Lac-St-Jean

"By helping businesses invest in better facilities and in equipment and appliances that will enhance their performance, the Government of Canada is standing by its commitment to stimulate expansion and innovation in Quebec regions."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"The investments we are making in these two deli companies mark a turning point for them. Through our contributions and the assistance granted by Canada Economic Development, we will be able to modernize our equipment and processes to remain competitive in the Canadian market in a key Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean industry."

Jean Lavoie, President, Nutrinor

Quick facts

• CED is one of the six regional development agencies under the responsibility of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.
• For more information on CED's key directions until 2021, consult Strategic Plan 2021 or visit www.dec-ced.gc.ca.
• Budget 2018 proposes to provide an additional $511 million in funding over five years on a cash basis, starting in 2018–2019, for the regional development agencies to support the Innovation and Skills Plan across all regions of Canada.
• Of the $511 million, $99 million will be allocated to CED, of which $22 million will go toward supporting the new Women Entrepreneurship Strategy.

Stay connected

• Follow CED on Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube
• Follow Boucherie Charcuterie Perron on Facebook
• Follow Charcuterie L. Fortin on Facebook
• Follow Nutrinor coopérative on LinkedIn

SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, Tel.: [phone], Email: [email protected]