Province Supports Jobs In Food Processing

Ontario is helping Ontario's food sector manufacturers and processors protect jobs and enhance their global competitiveness.

The province is providing $1,939,600 towards the Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium's Food Sector Manufacturing Innovation Network project, which will help increase the sector's global competitiveness through peer-to-peer networks, advanced skills training, internship opportunities and the development of an accessible online network. The project has the potential to help retain jobs in over 200 food sector manufacturing and processing companies that represent over 15,000 employees. The companies will also have the opportunity to provide up to 300 internship positions for local youth.

The funding is part of the Rural Economic Development Program, which invests in community-based projects in three priority areas:

• Improved access to health care services
• Revitalized communities and downtowns
• Enhanced skills training.
  

QUOTES

"Increased global competitiveness for Ontario's food sector industry will help our economy prosper," said Northumberland-Quinte West MPP Lou Rinaldi. "By providing the industry with highly skilled workers who have 24/7 access to on-line resources and networking, we anticipate a five per cent growth in exports."

"Bringing together a core group of 200 food sector manufacturers and processors, this project will develop an advanced 'Food Sector Innovation Network' that will benefit all Ontario food sector stakeholders," said Al Diggins, Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium President and General Manager. "By engaging this dedicated peer-to-peer knowledge network, Ontario's food sector companies will further enhance their global competitiveness, enterprise-wide capabilities and access to world-class knowledge network resources."

QUICK FACTS

• Since 2003, Ontario has invested $65 million in 199 projects through the Rural Economic Development Program.

LEARN MORE

Learn more about the Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium.

For more information, contact:

Sherry Persaud, Minister's Office, 416-326-6439
Brent Ross, Communications Branch, 416-326-9342