SAINT-FELICIEN, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - Dec. 14, 2016) - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

The Government of Canada recognizes that innovation-be it for the creation of new technologies and processes or for the development of new management models-is essential in today's global economy.

Acting on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED, Denis Lemieux, Member of Parliament for Chicoutimi-Le Fjord, announced today that Toundra Greenhouse has been granted $1 million in financial assistance, in the form of a repayable contribution, under the Quebec Economic Development Program (QEDP), bringing CED's total assistance to $4 million.

The financial support will have made it possible to build a complex of hydroponic greenhouses and purchase equipment to start up Toundra Greenhouse.

Established in 2014, Toundra Greenhouse produces English and Lebanese cucumbers all year long, which will promote the local procurement of these vegetables and supply the provincial and national markets. The client will produce 45 million English and Lebanese cucumbers annually. All of the English cucumbers and 45% of the Lebanese cucumbers will be distributed in Quebec. The remaining production of Lebanese cucumbers will be sold elsewhere in Canada. The first phase of this project represents an investment of over $38 million and will generate nearly 200 jobs.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is committed to supporting enterprises that develop innovative technologies and processes. These SMEs are key drivers in the creation of wealth and good-quality jobs for local people. That is why CED did not hesitate to support Toundra Greenhouse."

- Denis Lemieux, MP for Chicoutimi-Le Fjord

"The government I belong to firmly believes that Canada is basically a nation of innovators. The ability to innovate will help us stimulate our growth and be actively involved in combating greenhouse gas emissions. The Toundra Greenhouse project is an excellent example of a project with benefits that will positively impact the entire community."

- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

CED is one of the six regional development agencies under the responsibility of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

Related links

For more information about the QEDP: http://www.dec-ced.gc.ca/eng/programs/qedp/index.html

Toundra Greenhouse website: http://www.serrestoundra.com/en/toundra-greenhouse

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