In April, three employees at a poultry plant in Ontario tested positive for coronavirus, followed by dozens of cases among employees at other plants and at least one fatality. Its plant in Brandon, Manitoba has been connected to more than 50 cases, and workers penned an open letter that called for the plant to be shut down and cleaned while also asking for other protections such as testing and job security.
Meanwhile, last quarter, Maple Leaf told its investors its sales growth in the last year is twice that of its peers, at 9.1 per cent but “unsatisfactory” and blamed supply chain disruptions that have been amplified by COVID-19. This week, Michael McCain, CEO of Mississauga-based Maple Leaf Foods, one of the largest packaged meat and protein companies in the world, joins Down to Business.
McCain, a billionaire who is known for his ability to handle crises, said 2020 has generated new levels of anxiety and inspiration.Article content continued He talks about the future of meat consumption, the company’s progress on offsetting its climate emissions, and the challenges of coronavirus.