British Columbia and Manitoba are planning to build food terminals and take advantage of new federal funds that support them.
BC Food & Beverage, which represents provincial food processors and manufacturers, is planning a $700-million facility similar to the Ontario Food Terminal.
The western anchor would be part of a network of terminals along interprovincial routes already running to Alberta, the Prairies and Northern Canada.
Manitoba’s industry association is looking to build a terminal that will cost between $150 and $200-million.
“What Donald Trump has done is, he’s made us realize, ‘Wow, we’re vulnerable – we have a lot of eggs in one basket,’” said Michael Mikulak, executive director of Food & Beverage Manitoba.
Food terminals, which function as independent wholesale food marketplaces, offer a more efficient way for Canadian supply to meet Canadian demand, he said.
