SAGUENAY LAC SAINT JEAN, Quebec – Two deli meat processors in the Saguenay Lac Saint Jean region of the province of Quebec will receive a total of $1.85 million in repayable financial assistance from the Canadian government.

Boucherie Charcuterie Perron Inc. was awarded $1 million and Charcuterie L. Fortin Ltée received $850,000 through the Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions which focuses on innovation, growth, economic diversity and the development of a more inclusive economy. Both companies are members of Nutrinor, one of the largest food cooperatives in Quebec with 936 farmer members.

The companies will use the investment to upgrade equipment and facilities, and by automating part of their production.

“The investments we are making in these two deli companies mark a turning point for them,” Jean Lavoie, president, Nutrinor, said in a statement. “Through our contributions and the assistance granted by Canada Economic Development, we will be able to modernize our equipment and processes to remain competitive in the Canadian market in a key Saguenay Lac Saint Jean industry.”