October 5, 2020 - Canso, Nova Scotia - Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency - ACOA
Atlantic Canada's food industry is one of the region's largest economic engines, exporting billions of dollars worth of products every year. Connecting the region's seafood processors with the tools they need to export innovative products to global markets will help build Atlantic Canada's food and oceans sector and grow the local economy.
Federal government supports Atlantic Canada's ocean economy
Mike Kelloway, Member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, today announced a repayable contribution of $900,000 to Canso Seafoods Ltd (CSL) for facility upgrades and new equipment.
This investment, provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), has enabled Canso Seafoods to add a new extension building to its existing manufacturing plant. The addition of a custom-made steam cooker and high-efficiency freezer will allow the company to increase its production, lengthen its processing season, and diversify its product lines.
The expansion and new technology will help Canso Seafoods maintain a competitive edge in local and international markets for lobster and snow crab.
Today's announcement is further proof of the Government of Canada's commitment to the country's food and oceans-based businesses - helping them not just survive, but thrive. Initiatives like this help Canadians invest in the technology they need to ensure that the seafood sector continues to play a major role in Canada's economic prosperity for years to come.
Quotes
"By implementing new technology, rural-based food producers can take advantage of emerging opportunities in the food industry, boost innovation, compete internationally and modernize the sustainability of ocean resources. This investment from ACOA is helping to build on the momentum of Atlantic Canada's ocean economy."
- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA
"Canso Seafoods Ltd. has continued to advance the region's ocean-based industries by strategically adopting new technologies. The company has proven to be a leader in the industry and community, adapting to drive exports and continuing to provide good jobs to residents of Canso and surrounding areas."
- Mike Kelloway, Member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso
"In 2008, Jim Kennedy made a commitment to bring seafood processing jobs back to Canso. Today's announcement of our company's significant investment in the expansion of the Canso Seafoods Plant reconfirms that commitment to the community of Canso, the Municipality of Guysborough and most importantly the employees at the facility."
- Allan MacLean, Senior Operations Manager, Louisbourg Seafoods (parent company)
Quick facts
- Adopting advanced manufacturing activities helps drive business growth, boosts exports and creates employment opportunities, making communities stronger.
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Investing in sustainable technologies to support Atlantic Canada's ocean resources also helps to increase energy efficiency, improve resource management and lower the industry's overall carbon footprint.
- The funding announced today is provided through ACOA's Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program, which helps businesses adopt innovative technologies that support scale-up, productivity and competitiveness.
