Saputo receives government funds for coronavirus measures
The company was one of nine in Quebec awarded a total of C$2m (US$1.5m) to support efforts in keeping employees safe and the food system strong.
The funding will support processors to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE), and reorganize their operations to help ensure physical distancing of employees.
The C$346,340 (US$264,252) for Saputo was the second largest amount, after the C$686,779 (US$523,973) for Montpak International Inc.
The Saputo funding is to support the installation of equipment and workstation dividers to distance employees working within the plant, temperature screening equipment, and reusable PPE.
The EPF is focused on projects that respond to the urgent health and safety needs of workers in agri-food sectors impacted by COVID-19. The EPF is a one-time, federal investment of up to C$77.5m (US$59.1m) to help companies implement changes to safeguard the health and safety of workers and their families due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Government of Canada said it will continue working with food processors to ensure the well-being of essential workers in food processing plants across Canada while strengthening the resilience of the food supply chain.
