Mini Babybel cheese production in Sorel-Tracy

“Bel Canada is well established in Quebec and already works with many dairy farmers and processors. I am delighted to see that it will be continuing down this path thanks to this promising, growth-generating project for the Montérégie and Quebec economies.”

Stéphane Billette, Minister for Small and Medium Enterprises, Regulatory Streamlining and Regional Economic Development

“I am proud of the support from the Government of Canada, which has chosen to build on Bel Canada’s ability to innovate and its commitment to progress, setting it apart in a constantly changing market. The company’s drive, boldness and innovation are contributing to the region’s economic vitality.”

Brenda Shanahan, Member of Parliament for Châteauguay–Lacolle

“Construction of this cheese production plant in Montérégie will foster synergy among local dairy farmers and strengthen the agri-food industry in Montérégie. This major player is establishing itself in our beautiful region and we are proud to contribute to its success.”

Lucie Charlebois, Minister for Rehabilitation, Youth Protection, Public Health and Healthy Living and Minister responsible for the Montérégie region

“Quebec is the main cheese producer in Canada, so building the new plant here was a natural choice. This is a promising, growth-generating project that is very timely and will strengthen the dairy processing sector in Quebec. Our government firmly believes in this industry and is taking the necessary action to support it.”

Dominique Anglade, Deputy Premier, Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy

“As Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, my goal is to help businesses grow and innovate so that they can become more competitive and create good-quality jobs and wealth for Canadians. That is why we are supporting Bel Canada, whose success benefits the region and the Canadian economy overall.”

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED

“Over the past year, we have had the privilege to work closely with Bel Canada’s team in carrying out their project in Quebec, which will generate high-quality jobs, notably in the Sorel-Tracy area. The international affairs team at Investissement Québec is proud to contribute to the establishment of major foreign investment projects here: they are an absolutely essential part of our economy, generating significant spinoff in all Quebec regions.”

Pierre Gabriel Côté, Chief Executive Officer, Investissement Québec

• Created in 2005, Bel Canada, a subsidiary of Groupe Bel, currently manufactures The Laughing Cow^® cheese in Quebec, in partnership with Fromagerie Bergeron, and Boursin^® cheese, in partnership with Agropur, for the Canadian market.

• Established in Canada since 1957, Groupe Bel is a global leader in cheese brands and a key player in the healthy snack market. Its products are prepared at 32 production sites and distributed in some 130 countries.

• The Sorel-Tracy plant will be the first Canadian establishment built and operated by Bel Canada. It will be located on land adjacent to Laiterie Chalifoux, a company founded in 1920 in Sorel-Tracy, with which it is expected to have industrial synergies.

• The goal of the ESSOR program (website in French only) is to support investment projects in Quebec to enhance competitiveness and productivity, create jobs and ensure sustainable development.

• CED is one of the six regional development agencies under the responsibility of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

• This year marks the 50th anniversary of federal regional economic development in Quebec: half a century of concrete action dedicated to the development of the regions and local businesses.

• For more information on CED and its priorities, consult the 2018–19 Departmental Plan or visit www.dec-ced.gc.ca.

• Marie‑Catherine Leduc
  Press Secretary, Office of the Minister for Small and Medium Enterprises, Regulatory Streamlining and  Regional Economic Development
  Tel.: 418-691‑5650
  
• Mallory Clyne
  Director, Communications, Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
  Tel.: 343-291-2500
  
• Alexandra Régis
  Press Secretary, Office of the Minister for Rehabilitation, Youth Protection, Public Health and Healthy Living and Minister responsible for the Montérégie region
  Tel.: 418-266-7181
  
• Guillaume Bérubé
  Director of Communications, Office of the Deputy Premier, Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy
  Tel.: 418-691-5650

Information

• Jean-Pierre D’Auteuil
  Media Relations Officer, Communications Directorate, Ministère de l’Économie, de la Science et de l’Innovation
  Tel.: 418-691-5698, extension 4868
  Cell: 418-559-0710
  
• Media Relations
  Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
  Tel.: 514-283-7443
  Email: dec.media.ced@canada.ca
  
• Arielle Mathieu
  Press Secretary for Bel Canada, National Public Relations Office
  Tel.: 514-260-4372
  
• Isabelle Fontaine
  Senior Director, Public and Governmental Affairs, Investissement Québec
  Tel.: 514-876-9359

Stay connected

Ministère de l’Économie, de la Science et de l’Innovation on social media:

• Twitter: twitter.com/economie_quebec
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/EconomieQc/
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/362721/
• YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/MDEIEQuebec

To receive real-time news releases from the ministère de l’Économie, de la Science et de l’Innovation, subscribe to the appropriate RSS news feed at www.economie.gouv.qc.ca/rss.

Follow CED on Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube