Government of Canada investment helping the fish and seafood sector in Western Nova Scotia remain strong

News release

Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund supports growth and creates 60 jobs in rural communities

March 17, 2021 – Lockeport, Nova Scotia – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

The workforce of Canada’s fish and seafood processing sector is an economic driver in our coastal and rural communities, and is vital to our national food supply chain. The sector faced immense challenges due to COVID-19, and the Government of Canada worked quickly to ensure it had the support it needed during this unprecedented time.

On April 25, 2020, the federal government announced the $62.5 million Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund (CSSF). This fund was created specifically to help Canada’s fish and seafood processors adapt to the challenges of COVID-19. Today the CSSF is supporting projects across Canada to help processors retain their employees and maintain strong health and safety measures to ensure workers are protected. It is increasing the industry’s capacity to process, store, package, and distribute healthy, high-quality products, as well as retool its processes and marketing to adapt to changing consumer demands.

By bolstering Canada’s fish and seafood processing sector, the Government of Canada is helping position the national economy for a strong, post-pandemic recovery. Canada’s ocean industries contribute approximately $31.7 billion to Canada’s GDP every year. By investing in our fish and seafood processing sector at this critical time, the Government of Canada is paving the way for a stronger more resilient blue economy in the future.

Federal government supports fish and seafood processors

Today, the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for South Shore-St. Margarets, announced a total investment of $4,850,984 in 12 projects for 11 companies throughout Western Nova Scotia. This investment will help the region’s fish and seafood processing sector tackle challenges caused by the pandemic head-on and ensure its future viability. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, and Minister responsible for ACOA.

The funding will enable businesses to improve storage capacity, upgrade and purchase specialty machinery, expand infrastructure and obtain COVID-19 safety equipment. Additional information on the projects is provided in the related backgrounder.

Today’s announcement reflects the Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting all sectors affected by the pandemic. Projects like these will help the fish and seafood processing sector build back better, get more Atlantic Canadians back to work, and create a more resilient, diverse economy.

Quotes

“As the daughter of a fish-plant worker, I know how critical seafood processors are to our local economies here in Nova Scotia, and all across Canada. When the pandemic hit, an immediate priority of our government was getting the processing sector the support it needed to keep workers safe and adapt to changing consumer demands. We created the Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund specifically to address the unique needs of processors, and it’s inspiring to see how our partners are using these funds to actually strengthen the sector. Through the CSSF, our seafood sector is re-tooling, re-branding, and finding new markets – all of which will help Canada’s national economy build back better.”

-      The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for South Shore-St. Margarets

“Fish and seafood processors play a vital role in the resilience of Canada’s food system, provide good jobs and strengthen our coastal communities. Supporting this key sector as it overcomes challenges caused by the pandemic will keep companies safely operating and help the Canadian economy come roaring back.”
 -      The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

“We are continuing to grow by strategically investing in technological upgrades to our facility and hiring a diverse and energetic workforce. Our commitment to working with suppliers, customers and the community, with support from the CSSF, has allowed us to maintain stability throughout this pandemic. We are excited to be a part of the seafood industry in Atlantic Canada, an industry that continues to be the backbone of the economy in rural areas across the East Coast.”
-     Jamie Stuart, Operations Manager, Hailmar Fisheries Limited

Quick facts

  • In June 2020, Minister Jordan launched the $62.5 million Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund (CSSF) to support fish and seafood processors experiencing significant financial challenges caused by COVID-19.

  • CSSF is a Fisheries and Oceans Canada initiative delivered by three of Canada’s Regional Development Agencies: ACOA, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, and Western Economic Diversification Canada.

  • ACOA is delivering Atlantic Canada’s $42.7 million share of the fund, which has now been fully committed.

  • ACOA continues to invest in projects that promote sustainable local economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation through its regular suite of programs.

  • The Government of Canada is developing a Blue Economy Strategy to grow our ocean sectors through job creation, inclusion and conservation. Canadians are invited to share their views in an online engagement portal, which will collect diverse perspectives from coast to coast to coast, helping shape a strategy that will contribute to sustainable oceans, drive investment in our ocean industries, and create jobs in coastal communities as Canada charts its economic recovery from COVID-19. Online engagement is open until June 15, 2021.

Related products

Associated links

Contacts

Catherine Mounier-Desrochers
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
Catherine.Mounier-Desrochers@canada.ca

Jane Deeks
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
343-550-9594
jane.deeks@dfo-mpo-gc.ca

Chris Brook
Communications Director, Nova Scotia
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-830-3839
Chris.Brooks@canada.caa

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