Western Newfoundland and Great Northern Peninsula fish and seafood processors get support from the Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund

Western Newfoundland and Great Northern Peninsula fish and seafood processors get support from the Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund

May 13, 2021 · Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Atlantic Canada’s fish and seafood sector has faced significant challenges and financial hardship since the downturn in the economy due to COVID-19. That is why the Government of Canada is helping fish and seafood processors navigate these difficult times with support through the Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund.

An initiative of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the $62.5 million fund is being delivered by three of Canada’s Regional Development Agencies. ACOA is delivering $42.7 million in Atlantic Canada.

Today, Gudie Hutchings, Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA, announced total investments of $2,724,696 for six projects. The funds will help fish and seafood processors in Benoit’s Cove, Corner Brook, Plum Point, Ramea and St. Anthony weather the pandemic and prepare for a strong economic recovery, so that their communities can continue to thrive.

Allen’s Fisheries Ltd.                                                                                                                              $1,149,711

Repayable

Benoit’s Cove, NL

To construct a 200ft by 80ft facility with a deep ocean cold saltwater intake line, back-up refrigeration and an aeration system to store live lobster, mussel and crab to adapt to market changes due to COVID-19.

Northern Lights Seafood Inc.                                                                                                                                $950,000

Repayable

Plum Point, NL

To acquire new cold storage capacity to meet the demand of fishers in the area who depend on local processors to purchase their catch.

The Barry Group Inc.                                                                                                                                $426,235

Non-Repayable

Corner Brook, NL

To undertake COVID-related health and safety modifications to seafood processing operations, including upgrades to HVAC, purchase of PPE, installation of barriers, signage and additional space to allow for safe spacing of employees.

Labrador Gem Seafood Inc.                                                                                                                                  $99,750

Repayable

Ramea, NL

To install new cold storage capacity in its Ramea facility to adapt to changing market demands due to COVID.

Labrador Gem Seafood Inc.                                                                                                                                  $52,500

Non-Repayable

Ramea, NL

To undertake COVID-related health and safety modifications to seafood processing operations in its Ramea facility, including renovations to ensure social distancing of workers in the plant and improvements to staff housing for those who live onsite at the isolated facility.

St. Anthony Seafoods Ltd.                                                                                                                                  $46,500

Non-Repayable

St. Anthony, NL

To support expenditures that are directly COVID-related, including thermometers, PPE, HVAC upgrades, protective barriers and a health screening room.

Associated links

Backgrounder: COVID-19: Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund launches on June 22, 2020

Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

To find out more about ACOA programs and services, please visit the ACOA website