Clothing Recycler in Liverpool
Clothing recycler Joval International Inc. is setting up a new plant in Liverpool to augment its Toronto operation. The move means 100 new jobs for Queens County.
The $1.675-million project is supported by a partnership between the federal and provincial governments and private investors.
"The government of Canada is committed to creating a climate that encourages new businesses to grow and create new jobs," said Senator Al Graham, Leader of the Government in the Senate and Minister responsible for Nova Scotia. "Joval International is a unique business opportunity that will be extremely valuable to the economy of the South Shore and soundly demonstrates our commitment to this strategy."
In support of the project, Senator Graham announced federal funding of $750,000 for Joval International on behalf of Pierre Pettigrew, Minister of Human Resources Development Canada.
Manning MacDonald, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, announced the province's support of $250,000. The remaining $675,000 will come from the private sector.
"We're committed to supporting companies that create jobs in areas of the province where unemployment is high," said Mr. MacDonald. "We're also committed to projects that increase Nova Scotia exports. New exports are necessary for us to build a stronger economy."
Joval International, which recycles clothing for export, currently employs 45 people at its Toronto operation. The Liverpool plant is expected to open this spring.
"We are delighted to be setting up shop here in Liverpool and to be working in partnership with government and the people of Queens County," said Joval president Val Acocella. "The quality and dedication of the workers here are second to none."
"This is great news for Queens," said Mayor Christopher Clarke of the Region of Queens Municipality. "The opening of Joval's plant offers new opportunities to so many of our people who live in an area where the unemployment rate is far too high."
The Lunenburg Queens Regional Development Agency played a key role in bringing Joval to Liverpool through its work with all levels of government and with Joval officials.
"These jobs will give our community an economic boost," said Jack Logan, executive director of the regional development agency. "It is partnerships, like the one being formed here today, that are key to developing future projects." Economic Development and Tourism provides business advice, export aid and financial support to more than 900 Nova Scotia companies, 80 per cent of which are in rural areas. These companies generate more than $1 billion in sales and $45 million in tax revenue each year. The department's support helps these companies to become more competitive, create jobs and increase exports.
Human Resources Development Canada is taking part in the project through its Transitional Jobs Fund. The fund, totalling $300 million over three years, promotes economic growth and employment in areas of high unemployment. It helps regions in developing long-term sustainable employment in sectors with growth prospects. The federal government has renewed its commitment to helping Canadians find jobs with the new Canada Jobs Fund, a permanent $110-million annual investment beginning in April 1.