ST-ANDRÉ-AVELLIN, QUÉBEC – Another investment has been made through the Slaughter Improvement Program to strengthen Quebec's livestock sector, announced Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Canada’s Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister of State (Agriculture). The Government of Canada, through Canada's Economic Action Plan, is investing up to $2 million to help Les Viandes de la Petite-Nation Inc. upgrade its meat-processing facility.

"A strong meat packing and processing sector creates a competitive marketplace for Quebec producers," Blackburn said. "This investment will allow Les Viandes de la Petite-Nation Inc. to upgrade their facilities and continue to provide much-needed slaughter service in the Outaouais region."


Les Viandes de la Petite-Nation Inc. is the only multi-species federally-inspected abattoir in the Outaouais region of Western Quebec and is licensed to slaughter and process up to 10 different species of animals. Thanks to this investment, the company will be increasing its capacity and undertaking a variety of projects to improve operations including upgrading the water-treatment system, modifying its facilities, expanding freezer capacity and installing a new ventilation system.

"Les Viandes de la Petite-Nation Inc. is very pleased and honored to be receiving assistance from the federal government for the expansion of our plant in St-André-Avellin," said Douglas Harpur, president of Les Viandes de la Petite-Nation Inc. "This expansion will allow us to better service the many farmers and local markets in our region as well as increase our export capabilities."

The Government of Canada's $60-million Slaughter Improvement Program, as part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, makes repayable contributions available to support sound business plans aimed at reducing costs, increasing revenues and improving operations of red meat packing and processing operations in Canada.

Canada’s red-meat industry, with more than $20 billion in sales, is the nation’s single-largest employer in the food industry.