Jean-Claude Poissant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Karine Vallières, MNA for Richmond, on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Laurent Lessard, are providing financial assistance of up to $70,000 to Les Gars de saucisse/The Sausage Guys to support their project to implement a quality management system recognized by the GSFI (Global Food Safety Initiative).

"Quebec  food and beverage processing companies play an important role in the Canadian  economy. Investments such as the one announced today will help meet market  demand, stimulate the growth of the agri-food sector and contribute to its  success. These investments will create good jobs, grow the economy and  strengthen the middle class."

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

"The  visibility and competitiveness of Quebec products on the market are a priority  for our government. By positioning Quebec foods, such as the products offered  by Les Gars de Saucisse/The Sausage Guys, in a market exposed to steadily  increasing international competition, we are supporting sustainable  development, helping to promote Quebec products, creating jobs for Quebecers  and encouraging the next generation, while stimulating investment in the  Eastern Townships region. Supporting companies like this will help raise the  profile and enhance the competitiveness of Quebec products on markets."

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

"I  often say agri-food is a major economic sector and an announcement like today  confirms it. Already well established in our region and recognized as a  responsible corporate citizen, the company Les Gars de saucisse will be able to  export its know-how to our neighbors and, by the same token, to promote our  local products and give visibility to our region".

- Karine Vallières, MNA for  Richmond and Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier (youth)

• This support  is being provided through the Lever Program of the Ministry of Agriculture,  Fisheries and Food, under the Canada-Quebec agreement Growing Forward 2

• The Lever  Program is to improve the competiveness of the Quebec food processing industry,  in a context of globalization of markets, and to support the sustainable  development of this sector.

Associated Links

• Nation-wide initiatives linked to Growing Forward 2
• Cost-shared programs under Growing Forward 2 implemented in Quebec
• Lever Program (in French only)

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
Follow us on Twitter: @AAFC_Canada
Like us on Facebook: CanadianAgriculture