Pablo Rodriguez announces Government of Canada support for Bleuet Nordic and La Maison du Bleuet

SAINT-FÉLICIEN, QC - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

The Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region counts a number of dynamic businesses and organizations with innovative ideas that help create a strong local economic fabric. Some organizations have succeeded in adapting to the pandemic and are prospering, while others have had to reduce their operations. Today, as we plan for the economic recovery, they need support now more than ever to ensure their communities remain robust. The Government of Canada is committed to assisting them as they pursue their activities and to fostering their growth and success.

With this in mind, the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Quebec Lieutenant and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for CED, today announced financial support for Bleuet Nordic and La Maison du Bleuet.

Contribution details are as follows:

• Bleuet Nordic, a business specializing in the secondary processing of wild blueberries, is receiving a repayable contribution of $666,400. CED's support will enable the business to expand its factory, acquire new processing equipment and conduct a study on enhancing the performance of its dryer.
• La Maison du Bleuet, a business offering products made from organic wild blueberries, is receiving a repayable contribution of $359,000. CED's support will enable the business to acquire and fit out a building and purchase production equipment, and will lead to the creation of six jobs.

The Government of Canada recognizes and supports businesses and organizations that are a source of pride in their communities. Quebec's economic recovery relies, among other things, on an agri-food sector with organizations that have a strong grounding in the regional economy. The key players in this industry are major contributors to growth, in addition to being key assets in rebuilding a stronger, more resilient and more just economy for all.