Harper Government Invests in Meat Processing Innovation

Brampton, Ontario, August 14, 2012 –An Ontario meat processing company is developing new innovative products with the help of investments from the Harper Government. Parliamentary Secretary Pierre Lemieux (Glengarry-Prescott-Russell), on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, announced today an investment for Cardinal Meat Specialists Ltd. towards the purchase of new equipment for the manufacturing of sausage at its facility in Brampton, Ontario.

"Our government is focused on jobs, growth, and long-term prosperity, and promoting competitiveness is integral to a healthy economy," said Mr. Lemieux. "This investment will support Cardinal Meat Specialists Ltd. in expanding their operations by developing a new product to meet growing market demands and increase their competitiveness."

Cardinal Meat Specialists produces high quality meat products for distribution to retail markets. This investment of more than $826,000 will help the company purchase new manufacturing equipment that will produce a higher quality sausage that is more resistant to splitting or bursting while cooking. The company, to its knowledge, will be the first to apply the technology in Canada.

These business improvements will allow the company to introduce a new product to the market, increase production and sales, and support the creation of new jobs. Enhanced production also means an increase in the company's procurement of Canadian beef, pork, and wheat, profiting domestic farmers.

"The AgriProcessing Initiative fits perfectly with Cardinal's philosophy of striving to lead our industry in the generation of useful innovation, and will help Cardinal develop niche products, stimulate competitiveness in, and expand, the Canadian agri-processing marketplace," said Brent Cator, President. "This program supports strong leaders such as Cardinal and further develops Canada's role in sustainable, long-term growth strategies in market segments."

This investment is being delivered by the AgriProcessing Initiative, a five-year, up to $50-million initiative designed to enhance the competitiveness of the agri-processing sector in Canada. It provides support to existing companies for projects that involve the adoption of innovative and new-to-company manufacturing technologies and processes that are essential to sustaining and improving the sector's position in today's global marketplace. For more information on this program, visit www.agr.gc.ca/api.

For more information, media may contact:

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972

Meagan Murdoch
Director of Communications
The Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059

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