The governments of Canada and Manitoba have announced funding of $500,000 toward an expansion of Maple Leaf Food’s bacon processing plant in Winnipeg.
The announcement was made Monday at the plant by federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler.
A release said Maple Leaf Food’s investment in the bacon line expansion project is valued at more than $5.9 million and is expected to be complete later this year. The expansion is expected to create 34 new permanent, full-time jobs as well as 34 part-time jobs and is part of a larger $35-million expansion of the plant.
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“Part of the federal government’s plan to support the agriculture sector is to be a leader in job creation and innovation,” MacAulay said in the release. I am pleased to announce this strategic investment that will mean more top-quality Canadian bacon in grocery aisles in Canada and across the world.”
“The expansion reflects our shared commitment to producing high-quality food for the world in a safe and sustainable way,” Eichler said. “It also reinforces Manitoba’s place as an important centre for food processing in Canada.”
The ministers said this expansion will help increase exports of Canadian pork to highly valuable international markets.
“Maple Leaf has invested more than $1 billion across Canada to build a highly competitive, sustainable, Canadian-headquartered company,” said Rory McAlpine, senior vice-president, government and industry relations, Maple Leaf Foods.
“We appreciate the support from the Canadian and Manitoba governments, which played a direct role in helping our company create and sustain high-skilled jobs here in Manitoba and value-added export opportunities globally.”
