Supporting Innovation in Ontario’s Food Processing Industry

LONDON — Ontario’s Government for the People is helping to grow jobs, and support innovation and modernization in Ontario’s food processing sector.

Premier Doug Ford, accompanied by Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, today announced a $34.5-million investment in Maple Leaf Foods’ modern and innovative chicken processing plant in London over the next five years.

“This is the largest investment in the history of Ontario’s agriculture sector, it demonstrates industry confidence in our growing economy, and it’s another example of how we’re making Ontario open for business,” said Ford. “It’s great to see a company like Maple Leaf investing here in London. This innovative new plant will modernize processing and help make Ontario’s chicken farmers more competitive.”

The new plant will focus on the highest standards for sustainability, food safety and animal welfare, and will raise productivity and help increase demand for more chickens from Ontario’s farmers.

Also in attendance were Monte McNaughton, Minister of Infrastructure and Jeff Yurek, MPP for Elgin-Middlesex-London and Minister of Transportation.

“It is a pleasure to attend this Maple Leaf Foods announcement of a $660-million poultry facility in this community. I am proud to welcome this great news for Southwestern Ontario,” said Yurek. “This shows that Ontario is open for business. I want to thank Maple Leaf Foods for continuing to invest in our great province and in Elgin-Middlesex-London.”

“Ontario is open for business, and that includes our dynamic food processing sector,” said Hardeman. “Maple Leaf Foods’ new state-of-the-art facility in London will boost production, which will positively impact Ontario’s chicken farmers and meet growing consumer demand for premium poultry products made in Canada.”