SAINT-QUENTIN (GNB) – The provincial and federal governments are investing more than $10 million to complete 25 projects benefitting maple syrup producers in the Madawaska and Restigouche regions.
“Your government understands what matters to New Brunswickers,” said Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour and Minister Donald Arseneault, who is also minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation. “We know how important creating jobs and growing the economy are to New Brunswickers and their families. Our province is the third-largest producer of maple syrup in the world, which is why growing the industry was identified in the government’s recent Economic Growth Plan. The provincial government is focused on developing complementary economic opportunities from its vast forests, including the maple syrup industry. Our investment will help producers grow and create jobs through innovation and new technology.”
The provincial and federal financial support will help with the establishment of four new maple syrup operations and the expansion of another 19 businesses.
“The maple syrup industry employs a significant number of people in this part of the province when the sap is flowing,” said Madawaska-Restigouche MP René Arseneault. “That is why the federal government is pleased to support maple syrup producers, to help them seize new opportunities in this growing industry so they can continue to create and maintain jobs right here in our region.”
Arseneault attended for federal Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains, who is also minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). ACOA’s Business Development Program is providing repayable contributions totaling $7,719,336 while the provincial government is investing $2,408,839.
The projects in Kedgwick, Saint-Quentin, Saint-Joseph de Madawaska, Saint-Jacques, Saint-Basile and Val d’Amour include upgrades such as new taps, sap collection and transformation equipment, and renovations or expansions to increase efficiency and production.
07-11-16
