The Canada and Manitoba governments are investing $500,000 in an expansion project that will increase bacon production at Maple Leaf Food’s Winnipeg, Canada, facility by 8 million kilograms every year.

“The meat sector is a great source of pride and prosperity to many Canadians,” says federal agriculture minister Lawrence MacAulay. “Part of the federal government’s plan to support the agriculture sector is to be a leader in job creation and innovation. I am pleased to announce this strategic investment that will mean more top-quality Canadian bacon in grocery aisles in Canada and across the world.” 

Government funding will be used to purchase new processing and packaging equipment for the $5.9 million bacon production line. 

“Manitoba continues to make strategic investments that will add value to our agricultural industry, creating new jobs and strengthening our economy,” says Manitoba agriculture minister Ralph Eichler. “The expansion reflects our shared commitment to producing high-quality food for the world in a safe and sustainable way. It also reinforces Manitoba’s place as an important center for food processing in Canada.” 

The expansion is expected to create 34 new permanent, full-time jobs as well as 34 part-time jobs and is part of a larger $35 million expansion. 

“Maple Leaf has invested more than $1 billion across Canada to build a highly competitive, sustainable, Canadian-headquartered company,” says Rory McAlpine, senior vice president, government and industry relations. “We appreciate the support from the Canadian and Manitoba governments, which played a direct role in helping our company create and sustain high-skilled jobs here in Manitoba and value-added export opportunities globally.”