Borden-Carleton Businesses Awarded McCain Grants Totaling $2 Million

The Government of Prince Edward Island has disseminated the following information: Borden-Carleton's Mayor, Dean Sexton, is optimistic about the future of the town and its surrounding areas, thanks to grants from the McCain Foods Adjustment Fund. Today, nine businesses and the local government were awarded a total of $2 million in grants from the fund, which was established by McCain's when its factory shut down in October 2014. A steering committee, including representatives from Innovation PEI, Borden-Carleton, the Central Development Corporation, ACOA, and McCain's, was set up by Innovation PEI to manage the fund and review grant applications. Mayor Sexton stated that the fund's support for nine new and existing businesses would result in new jobs, products, and a stronger economy for the region. He also mentioned that the grant given to the town would enable the council to explore new economic development opportunities in the region. The ten successful applicants announced today are: • MacDougall Steel - $1 million • Silliker Glass - $300,000 • Atlantic Beef Products - $142,000 • Mrs. Dunsters - $26,000 • Tree Top Haven - $25,000 • Island Apple Storage - $25,000 • PEI Handpie Company - $7,000 • Town Of Borden Carleton - $50,000 • Canadian Cold Storage - $200,000 (pending project approval) • Larkins Poultry - $225,000 (pending project approval) Based on company projections, these projects are expected to create up to 328 jobs. Premier Wade MacLauchlan stated that the McCain Adjustment Fund's support would help Borden-Carleton businesses create jobs, increase their exports, and stimulate economic growth that would benefit the entire province. The projects supported by the McCain Adjustment Fund are worth over $31 million, indicating significant economic activity in the region and a bright future for many businesses, according to Economic Development and Tourism Minister Heath MacDonald. Rural and Regional Development Minister Pat Murphy emphasized that rural communities like Borden Carleton are crucial to the provincial economy. He noted that some of these projects would directly benefit primary producers across the province, while others would further strengthen the economy and employment in this rural community. For media inquiries, please contact Andrew Sprague, Department of Economic Development and Tourism, at 902-368-5535 or asgsprague@gov.pe.ca.