Government of Canada announces support to help Nova Scotia lobster businesses modernize, compete, and reach new markets

From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

News release

Strengthening Canadian productivity and supply chains in evolving international markets

May 14, 2026 · North East Point, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Atlantic Canadian businesses are modernizing to drive productivity and build resilience in a shifting global economy. By helping firms optimize supply chains and adopt the technologies they need to compete in new markets, the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) is strengthening Atlantic Canada’s industrial capacity and helping the region lead on the world stage.

Today, Jessica Fancy, Member of Parliament for South Shore – St. Margarets, announced federal investments totaling $2,150,000, through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), to support four businesses on Nova Scotia’s South Shore.

These investments will support lobster processors as they modernize operations, adopt new technologies, expand capacity, and improve processes, helping strengthen productivity, supply chains, and market reach. Together, the projects will help support business growth, resilience, and jobs across the region.

The companies receiving support are:

·        Hailmar Fisheries Limited, Osborne Harbour;
·        Atlantic Coast Live Lobster Incorporated, North East Point;
·        Fishermen’s Premium Atlantic Lobster Incorporated, North East Point; and|
·        Xsealent Seafood Company, Clark's Harbour.

For details, please see backgrounder.

Today’s announcement demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to building a stronger economy to make life more affordable and helping Canadian businesses succeed in a more uncertain global economy. By investing in productivity, innovation, and stronger supply chains, firms are receiving support to adapt, modernize, and pursue new market opportunities.

This announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

Quotes

“When we invest in the productivity of Atlantic Canadian businesses, we are sharpening Canada’s competitive edge. The Regional Tariff Response Initiative provides the tools local companies need to modernize their operations and build the strength required to thrive in a changing global marketplace.”
- The Honourable Sean Fraser, P.C., K.C., Member of Parliament for Central Nova, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

“When people think of Nova Scotia’s South Shore, they think lobster, which is no surprise; it’s one of our top exports. The Government of Canada is helping our lobster businesses boost productivity, cut costs, add solar energy to their operations, build more resilient supply chains, reach new markets and develop new products to meet the unique needs of our region.”
-  Jessica Fancy, Member of Parliament for South Shore – St. Margarets

“This support through ACOA is going to help us continue growing our brand internationally, reach new markets, and strengthen our presence in the global seafood industry. As a Nova Scotia lobster company, investments like this help us keep building, modernizing, and creating more long-term opportunities for our business and the local communities.”
-  Erica Devine, President, Fishermen’s Premium Atlantic Lobster Incorporated

Quick facts

  • The Regional Tariff Response Initiative is a $1.5 billion national investment to help Canadian businesses respond to global trade pressures, strengthen productivity, and build long-term competitiveness.

  • On May 4, the Government of Canada announced an additional $500 million through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) to support tariff-impacted businesses in all sectors of our economy. This includes $200 million carved out for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have been affected by steel, aluminum and copper tariffs.

  • In Atlantic Canada, ACOA is delivering $110 million under the Regional Tariff Response Initiative to support small and medium-sized enterprises as they modernize operations, strengthen supply chains, and pursue new market opportunities.

  • The Regional Tariff Response Initiative is a time-limited, three-year initiative ending March 31, 2029, or until funds are fully committed.

Related products

Associated links

Contacts

Jeremy Bellefeuille
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and
Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Jeremy.Bellefeuille@justice.gc.ca

Media Relations 
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency 
mediaroom-salledesmedias@acoa-apeca.gc.ca  

Jamie Stuart
Sales and Purchasing
Hailmar Fisheries Limited
jamie@hailmar.ca
902-717-1807  

Kailong Wang
President
Atlantic Coast Live Lobster
kai@aclivelobster.com
902-717-7363

Erica Devine
President
Fishermen’s Premium Atlantic Lobster Incorporated
erica@fishermenspremium.com
902-320-1351    

Terry Zinck
President
Xsealant Seafood Company
terry@xsealentseafood.com
902-745-3899

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2026-05-14