Funding to help Canada Meat Group create up to 45 new jobs locally

Federal and provincial funding is helping to create upwards of 40 to 45 jobs in North Bay.

MP Anthony Rota announced a $1 million repayable contribution from FedNor to Canada Meat Group, while MPP Vic Fedeli announced 1.4 million dollars from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.

Rota says the money will help accelerate the company’s expansion into global markets.

“This plant will see the processing of meat but also tap into local beef and Canadian beef that can be processed here and then be shipped around the world,” he says.

Fedeli, the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade says he will be supporting the company’s efforts internationally.

“They’re looking to export into the Middle East and Asia and I’ll be there. I’ll look to take their product catalogue to our Consuls General and have discussions on how to help this North Bay company,” Fedeli says.

The 15,000 square foot, federally licensed meat processing and cold storage facility at the North Bay Airport Industrial Business Park is expected to begin processing in December.

Presdent Oleksandr Zahrebelnyi says they will eventually get to 40-45 workers.

“First year we will have 25-27 workers and by year three we hope to have 40-45 workers at the North Bay plant,” he says.

Zahrebelnyi says they’ve developed a relationship with Canadore College and the college will be offering a meat processing program.

The facility will produce high-quality Kosher and Halal meat products, addressing the growing demand for specialized beef products.

(Photos by station staff)