The governments of Canada and Quebec are joining forces to ensure the sustainability and development of animal commodity groups by increasing the competitiveness of slaughterhouses and improving the slaughter services by basing them on regional or sectoral need.

“Our government is proud to be part of this program, jointly funded in part under Growing Forward 2, which will allow regional stakeholders in the slaughtering sector to strengthen their infrastructure, meet new standards and meet consumer demand for increasing availability of locally produced products. In addition to contributing to the vibrancy of the regional economy, the growth of this sector will help create jobs, thereby strengthening the middle class and middle class families.”

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

“Regional slaughterhouses actively contribute to developing the economic potential of agri-food in Quebec regions. By supporting and contributing to the increase in slaughtering resources, our government helps slaughterhouses develop tools that are essential to the success of animal commodity businesses, both traditional and emerging. The strengthening of the regional slaughterhouse network will also contribute to the marketing of value-added products, such as craft deli meats, and facilitate trade in local meat and meat products.” 

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

• In Quebec, the meat sector is at the top of the food processing industry with respect to the number of jobs and the value of manufacturing shipments.

• Slaughtering is a critical function for developing animal commodity businesses and cutting and delicatessen businesses.

• Several slaughterhouses have closed in recent years. In some regions, the low slaughter capacity does not meet producers’ needs, forcing them to look to establishments outside Quebec.

  Note: Federal funding under Growing Forward 2 will expire on March 31, 2018.

   

Associated Links

• Nation-wide initiatives related to Growing Forward 2
• Shared-cost programs under Growing Forward 2 implemented in Quebec

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

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Office of the Quebec Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
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