News Release

For immediate release
November 8, 2002

New Maple Syrup Operation Established with Government of Canada Assistance

Southwest Margaree, N.S. – November 8, 2002 – The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC) and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) announced today, Government of Canada funding, under the Business Development Program (BDP), to MacNeil’s Cape Breton Highlands Maple Products. 

Norman MacNeil will establish a maple syrup operation in Southwest Margaree. With a three-year production plan in place, MacNeil will draw on his past experience in all aspects of the syrup industry. “After doing the groundwork, I have realized there is a market for maple syrup that has not yet been “tapped”, so to speak, ” said MacNeil. “I will take great pride in labelling my products to indicate that they have been produced on Cape Breton Island.”

“Canada accounts for more than 85% of the world’s production of maple syrup,” said Rodger Cuzner, M.P. for Bras d’Or-Cape Breton, speaking on behalf of Minister Byrne. “The vast majority of that comes out of Quebec. We have the natural resources here to increase our share of that industry. The assistance from the Government of Canada will help this producer gain market share thus providing economic benefits to this and surrounding communities.”

The total estimated cost of the project is $34,400. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation has provided a $12,200 repayable contribution through ACOA’s Business Development Program.

Funding for this project was provided for in the February 2000 Federal budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.

Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation offers programs in support of economic development initiatives and is responsible for delivering ACOA's programs in Cape Breton and the Mulgrave area.


FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ralph Meechan
Office of the Minister of State for ECBC & ACOA
Tel: (613) 957-9959
Fax: (613) 941-7844

Office of Rodger Cuzner, M.P. 
Bras d’Or-Cape Breton 
Tel.: (902) 842-9763
Fax: (902) 842-9025

Mary Ann MacCormick
Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation
Tel: (902) 564-7269
Fax:(902) 564-3825
Email: mmaccor2@ecbc.ca

Norman MacNeil
MacNeil’s Cape Breton Highlands Maple Products
Tel: (902) 248-2373