OTTAWA, ONTARIO – The Canadian government recently announced that it would make almost C$2 million available from its Emergency Processing Fund for local food processors.

The funding is earmarked to help processors support personal protective equipment (PPE) and reorganize their operations to help ensure social distancing for employees.

Montpak International Inc., which processes lamb and veal outside of Montreal, will receive C$686,779 from this fund.

"The health and safety of our employees is a top priority for us and we are extremely grateful to have been able to benefit from this funding, which has enabled us to protect our employees during the pandemic,” said Alexandre Fountaine, president and chief executive officer for Montpak International. “These funds allowed us to incorporate technology to protect our employees and modify our infrastructure to ensure physical distancing."

Premium Brands Holdings Inc. also obtained C$185,733 to purchase equipment to help with social distancing and PPE.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Agri-Food said that its currently made C$77.5 million available in its Emergency Processing Fund in total. Along with providing supplies, the fund supports facility upgrades.

More information about the funding can be found here.