OREANDA-NEWS. July 12, 2016. The provincial and federal governments have invested in a Hamilton food processing facility to grow the local economy and Ontario's food and beverage processing sector.

Maple Leaf Foods Inc. received \\$90,380 which helped the company to:

  • Build leadership capacity and drive high performance results by delivering a team-based, continuous learning and improvement environment for approximately 140 employees.
  • Provide training through Mohawk College, which ensured that employees have the knowledge and skills needed to improve efficiency and operations at the Hamilton facility.

Maple Leaf Foods Inc. is one of 18 projects in the Hamilton region that have benefitted from \\$741,706 in provincial and federal government support through Growing Forward 2 – a federal-provincial-territorial initiative that provides funding for programs that improve innovation, competitiveness, market development, adaptability and industry sustainability in Canada's agri-food and agri-products sectors.

These investments help achieve the federal government's goal to support the agricultural and agri-food sector in a way that allows it to be a leader in job creation and innovation.

Investing in Ontario's food and beverage processors is part of the provincial government's economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest infrastructure investment in hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and transit in Ontario's history and is investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.

Quick facts

  • Since 2013, the governments of Canada and Ontario have committed more than \\$44 million to over 850 projects for food, beverage and processor businesses through Growing Forward 2 cost-shared funding assistance.
  • Growing Forward 2 was launched in 2013 and is a five-year commitment by Canada's federal, provincial and territorial governments to support Canada's agri-food and agri-based products sector.
  • Maple Leaf Foods Inc. is Canada's leading consumer packaged meats company, employing approximately 11,000 people in its operations across Canada and exporting to more than 20 global markets including the U.S. and Asia.
  • The facility in Hamilton employs more than 1,000 people.

Quotes

"Successful food and beverage processing companies are vital to a thriving local and national economy. That's why the Government of Canada is pleased to support companies like Maple Leaf Foods who are committed to creating jobs, driving innovation, and showcasing Canada's high quality agricultural products."

- Bob Bratina, Member of Parliament Hamilton East-Stoney Creek

"By making strategic investments in local food and beverage processing companies like Maple Leaf, we are strengthening our agri-food sector, creating jobs in local communities and growing Ontario’s economy. In a fiercely competitive global economy, our government continues to work with companies across our food and beverage processing sector to strengthen the industry and help achieve the Agri-Food Challenge of creating 120,000 new jobs and doubling the sector’s growth rate by 2020."

- Jeff Leal, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

"Maple Leaf’s Hamilton facility is the largest, most technologically advanced food processing facility in Canada, possibly in North America. We appreciate the support from the Ontario and Canadian governments, which played a direct role in helping Maple Leaf sustain and create approximately 700 high skilled, sustainable jobs right here in Hamilton."

- Rory McAlpine, Senior Vice President, Government and Industry Relations, Maple Leaf Foods