Today, Dan Albas, Member of Parliament for Okanagan-Coquihalla, announced federal funding of $240,000 to support the Grand Forks and Boundary Regional Agricultural Society in acquiring and setting up a licensed mobile abattoir in rural south-central British Columbia.

"Our Government is proud to invest in the agri-food industry," said MP Albas, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification (WD). "By supporting local meat and poultry industries, we are working to promote a solid foundation that will create jobs while growing the local economy in the Southern Interior Region of British Columbia."

WD funding will enable the acquisition of a custom-built trailer and hauling vehicle for use as a licensed mobile abattoir, a winter docking station, and to provide equipment for processing poultry and multiple species of livestock.

"We are thrilled to be moving forward with this project," said Roly Russell, President, Grand Forks and Boundary Regional Agricultural Society. "We foresee that this project will not only improve the quality and availability of food in the region, but will significantly bolster the economic stability of the Southern Interior and build more sustainable economies in these communities."

The Government of Canada is committed to advancing the interests of Canada’s industries and continues to help them provide high-quality jobs in the communities that depend on them.  Investments that support these industries will be essential to realising economic opportunities, creating employment, and enhancing the Canadian advantage.

Western Economic Diversification Canada works with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the West and advances the interests of western Canadians in national decision making.

For additional information (media only) contact:

Jaime Burke
Regional Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: 604-666-1318

Roly Russell
President
Grand Forks and Boundary Regional Agricultural Society
Telephone: 250-442-5840