The Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec have awarded $50,000 in financial support to the Lac-Mégantic Public Market, a solidarity cooperative, for its project to relocate the market to the heritage railway station.

"The Government of Canada is proud to partner with the Government of Quebec in support of this unifying project that will benefit the economy of the Mégantic region. This investment supports the production and marketing of regional agricultural and food products and helps connect farmers, agri-processors and their families with consumers.”

- Jean-Claude Poissant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

“Buying local dovetails perfectly with the sustainable development perspective desired for our agri-food businesses. By encouraging small-scale agricultural producers and processors to invest in the local market, the Government is helping to enhance the visibility of Quebec products and strengthen the bond of trust between consumers and producers, while stimulating investment in the regions, including Estrie.”

- Laurent Lessard, Quebec Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

The Lac-Mégantic Public Market is an exceptional showcase for what is happening in our region. By offering year-round programming in a permanent structure protected from the elements, the Lac-Mégantic Public Market preserves and enhances the connection between consumers and producers. The economic benefits of this momentum are many: increased sales, job creation and agri-tourism. In fact, it will also put the city and the region in an enviable position in terms of promoting local products and food tourism.”

- Ghislain Bolduc, Member of Parliament for Mégantic

• The Programme Proximité is intended for agricultural businesses, agri-processors, artisanal processing businesses, cooperatives, non-profit organizations (NPOs), business groups and business group partners wishing to take advantage of a local market launch.

• Between 2013 and 2018, more than $6.6 million has been allocated through the Programme Proximité to support 340 projects.

• The Le Granit regional county municipality (MRC) has 561 agricultural businesses with gross revenues totalling $97.1 million. It also has 24 food processing businesses.

• The development of the Lac-Mégantic Public Market is included in the Le Granit MRC’s agricultural zone development plan. It is identified as a diversification and development strategy for agricultural and agri-food businesses located in the territory, and as a short‑channel marketing method.

• In July 2017, the Federal, Provincial and Territorial (FPT) Ministers of Agriculture reached an agreement-in-principle on key elements of the Canadian Agriculture Partnership, a five-year, $3 billion FPT investment. The Partnership, which takes over from the 2013-2018 Growing Forward 2 policy framework, was launched on April 1, 2018. This important investment will strengthen the agriculture, agri-food and agricultural products sector, ensuring continued innovation, growth and prosperity.

Associated links

• Canada-wide initiatives related to Growing Forward 2
• Cost-sharing Growing Forward 2 programs implemented in Quebec (in French only)
• Programme Proximité (in French only)
• Canadian Agricultural Partnership

Guy Gallant
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay
613-773-1059

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
media.relations@agr.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @AAFC_Canada
Like us on Facebook: CanadianAgriculture

Christine Harvey
Press secretary
Office of the Quebec Minister Fisheries and Food
418-380-2525