Despressed commodity prices, high operating and labour costs and a strong Canadian dollar are factors costing Ontario a number of once-lucrative food processing plants.
This year has already seen the closure of the century-old CanGro operation in Exeter while the Campbell’s plant in Listowel is on borrowed time.
Huron-Bruce MP Paul Steckle makes a rare admission when it comes to processing plant closures.
Steckle says the Harper government and previous Liberal administrations didn’t work with processing companies to help save the plants.
Steckle says he also points the finger of blame at himself.
Steckle says a plan must be worked out to ensure jobs are protected and farmers have a place to sell their product.
He says local operations need a chance to stay in Canada instead of moving to the US.
Steckle says Ottawa must help form a long-term operating plan for such operations.
Steckle says the federal government can no longer stand by and let processing plants close.
He says closures are often caused by investors looking to grab a quick profit by selling off part-interest in plants to the point where the operations are no longer viable.
