International Seafood Summit Explores Opportunities for Growth
News release
September 29, 2023 · Saint John, New Brunswick · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Atlantic Canada’s seafood sector plays an important role in strengthening our economy and ensuring our region’s competitiveness in the global economy. The Government of Canada supports initiatives to strengthen our regions and communities and help continue Canada's reputation as a global leader in the seafood industry.
Today, Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John–Rothesay announced a non-repayable contribution of $200,000 through ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program for the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA). The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.
The Honourable Arlene Dunn, Minister of Post-Secondary Education, Labour, Training and Employment also announced contributions of $50,000 on behalf of the Honourable Réjean Savoie, Minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation (RDC), Province of New Brunswick.
This support is helping ACFFA deliver the upcoming 2023 Responsible Seafood Summit from October 2-5 in Saint John, N.B. The Summit, co-hosted with the Global Seafood Alliance, will focus on global collaboration for a healthy, responsible seafood community. It is the largest international seafood business conference of its kind, providing over 350 seafood professionals from 30 countries with an opportunity to develop long term strategies for the industry’s success.
This project is another example of how the Government of Canada is contributing to Atlantic Canada’s momentum by strengthening our communities, creating new opportunities, and setting the stage for a strong, sustainable future.
Quotes
"Atlantic Canada is the heart of Canada’s fish and seafood sector and there’s no better place than our region to host this year’s summit. By bringing experts together from around the world, you are helping build a stronger industry that will support good jobs in Canada’s coastal communities and beyond for generations to come.”
- The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.
“The seafood industry is among New Brunswick’s strongest assets. This Summit represents a tremendous opportunity for participants to exchange information on how to thoughtfully manage this resource and expand this vital sector, bringing economic prosperity to our region for years to come.”
- Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John–Rothesay
“New Brunswick is home to some of the most innovative seafood businesses in the world, exporting to 54 countries. We are thrilled to be supporting the 2023 Responsible Seafood Summit in Saint John and see this as an opportunity to develop unique economic opportunities for New Brunswick fish and seafood products. We also want to thank the Atlantic Fish Farmers Association for their efforts to bring the conference to the city, and for their ongoing efforts to advance sustainable harvesting.”
- The Honourable Arlene Dunn, Minister of Post-Secondary Education, Labour, Training and Employment, and MLA for Saint John Harbour, on behalf of the Honourable Réjean Savoie, Minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation (RDC)
“Atlantic Canada is a shining example of a science-based, collaborative approach to sustainable seafood production. This support will help us not only to showcase our aquaculture and wild capture sectors to the world but also to generate both direct and indirect economic impacts in our region while giving our diverse group of seafood professionals an invaluable opportunity to continue to evolve our sector.”
- Sue Farquharson, Executive Director, Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association
Quick facts
-
The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA) is an industry funded association providing advocacy and resource support services for the salmon aquaculture industry operating in Atlantic Canada.
-
Funding for this project is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program, which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation.
-
In March, the Public Policy Forum - The Atlantic Canada Momentum Index published a report that confirms that Atlantic Canada’s economy is bustling and the region is poised for exponential growth.
Associated links
Contacts
Kevin Lemkay
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development
and of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Kevin.Lemkay@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Ann Kenney
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Ann.Kenney@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Mary-Anne Hurley-Corbyn
Communications
Regional Development Corporation
mary-anne.hurley-corbyn@gnb.ca
Susan Farquharson
Executive Director
Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association
s.farquharson@atlanticfishfarmers.com
Stay connected
Follow ACOA on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.