In accordance with the Cabinet Directive on Strategic Environmental and Economic Assessment, a Climate, Nature and Economy Lens (CNEL) assessment was conducted for Delpharm Boucherville Canada Inc.'s $200 million project to modernize and expand its facility in Boucherville, Quebec. This initiative aims to increase production capacity for sterile injectable medicines. On March 18, 2025, the Government of Canada announced a $60 million contribution through the Strategic Response Fund, formerly the Strategic Innovation Fund, to support this project.
The expansion includes constructing a new 28,000-square-foot building adjacent to the existing facility and upgrading current operations. Once completed, it will enable Delpharm to nearly double its annual production capacity from 67 million to approximately 130 million units of sterile injectable medicines. This investment secures Delpharm's operations in Canada, maintains 450 jobs and strengthens the domestic supply of critical medicines for Canadian health systems. The project aligns with Canada's Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy, which seeks to build a sustainable industrial base and enhance pandemic preparedness.
The CNEL assessment found that greenhouse gas emissions will temporarily increase during construction and rise slightly with expanded production. However, the facility will integrate energy-efficient systems to mitigate long-term impacts. No significant effects on biodiversity are anticipated, as the site is within an existing industrial zone and does not involve land-use changes. The site is located near the St. Lawrence River, home to species at risk such as the c opper r edhorse fish. Currently, no authorizations from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Transport Canada or the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada are required, as Delpharm's operations do not discharge into the river. While construction may cause short-term noise, air and waste pollution, the adoption of energy-efficient technologies is expected to reduce the facility's overall carbon footprint over time.