Ontario is helping Thomas Canning build a new state-of-the-art fruit and vegetable processing facility that will support local farmers and create 40 new full-time jobs.

The province is providing $3 million for the construction of the new facility, which will process a significant amount of locally grown tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables. The expansion project will help this longstanding family company develop new products and expand its markets in Canada and abroad. It will be phased in over three years and contribute more than $34 million to the local economy.

Supporting the province’s agri-food industry is part of the government’s economic plan that is creating jobs for today and tomorrow. The comprehensive plan and its six priorities focus on Ontario’s greatest strengths — its people and strategic partnerships.

QUOTES
“Our food processing sector will continue to be a key driver of our economy here in Ontario, and the success of homegrown family businesses like these is proof of that. I’m thrilled to work together with Thomas Canning to support our farmers, grow our agri-food industry and create jobs for our families.”
— Kathleen Wynne, Premier and Minister of Agriculture and Food
“The government’s support for this project will bring jobs and economic opportunities to the region. This investment is not only good for Thomas Canning, but for Ontario’s agri-food sector as a whole.”
— Teresa Piruzza, MPP for Windsor West
“Because of the funding we received from the Government of Ontario, our company will now be in a position to create more good local jobs and grow our business domestically and internationally.”
— Bill Thomas, Vice-President, Thomas Canning
QUICK FACTS

• Thomas Canning has been processing and canning tomatoes in the Essex County area since 1933.
• Ontario is home to Canada’s largest food processing sector, supporting more than 95,000 jobs and contributing more than $11 billion to the province’s GDP.
• Ontario’s food processors purchase about 65 per cent of the good things that are grown and produced on the province’s farms.

LEARN MORE
Find out How to grow your food business
Read Going Global: Ontario’s Trade Strategy
Amber Anderson, Minister’s Office, 416-326-6439
Abigail Dancey, Communications Branch, 519-826-3169
ontario.ca/agriculture-news
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