COVID-19: Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund opens on June 22, 2020, in Quebec regions

Fish and seafood processing businesses to get support from new Fisheries and Oceans Canada initiative

Fish and seafood processing businesses to get support from new Fisheries and Oceans Canada initiative

Montréal, Quebec, June 17, 2020 – Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

Fish and seafood processors play a vital role in the resilience of Canada’s food system and economy. They are at the heart of their communities, creating local jobs and buying products from Canadian fish and aquaculture harvesters. COVID-19 has presented many challenges to the sector, putting a significant financial burden on small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as they work to meet these challenges head-on.

That is why the Government of Canada has taken decisive action to support Canadians facing hardship as a result of the pandemic. The Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund (CSSF) is a $62.5 million fund that will help fish and seafood processors across Canada get through the crisis and prepare for the economic recovery so that their communities can continue to thrive.

Today, the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, and the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, announced that Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) will accept applications from indigenous and non-indigenous fish, seafood and aquaculture processors in Quebec wishing to access the fund as of June 22, 2020.  CED will be delivering a total of $9.1 million in funding from Fisheries and Oceans Canada in Quebec’s regions.

The CSSF will help fish and seafood processors put in place health and safety measures to help protect workers against COVID-19 and create more jobs for Canadians. It will increase plant capacity to process, store, package and distribute healthy, high-quality products, and to adapt processes and marketing to suit changing consumer demands. Bolstering the processing sector will be vital to supporting fish and seafood harvesters and strengthening Canada’s food supply chain. 

The CSSF is one part of the Government of Canada’s ongoing effort to support Canada’s fish and seafood sector, which has included over $500 million in investments this year through this Fund, the Fish Harvester Benefit and the Fish Harvester Grant.

More information on how to apply for the CSSF is available on CED’s website.

“COVID-19 has created real challenges for our fish and seafood processing sector, and they have continued to respond with tenacity and innovation. The Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund will provide the sector with the support they need to increase their capacity and adapt their strategies to meet the changing demands of the consumer. And we know that by bolstering our processers, we are ensuring consistent buyers for our harvesters and a strong food supply chain, one that includes a consistent stream of Canada’s world class fish and seafood.”

The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

“As some regions reopen their economy, it is important for us to support small businesses every step of the way now more than ever. The fish and seafood processors are facing new challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and I am happy that Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions is helping them to address the gap in this key sector for the Quebec regions, which will help communities get through these challenging times. I want Canadians to know that we will be there with you so our regional economies can bounce back even stronger than before. Together we will rise above this crisis.”

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Member of Parliament for Ahuntsic-Cartierville, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for CED

• The Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) help businesses and innovators grow and succeed. They also ensure that Canada’s regions are heard in Ottawa and provide support to advance and diversify regional economies – so communities can thrive.

• Because Canada’s RDAs focus on developing and diversifying regional economies, they are best suited to deliver fast and efficient support to Canadian SMEs in all sectors. They are on the ground every day, working with businesses and communities. They know where help is most needed.

• Businesses in the fish and seafood processing sectors and organizations who support them in Quebec are encouraged to contact CED for more information on the CSSF.

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

Alexander Cohen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
alexander.cohen@canada.ca

Media Relations
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
dec.media.ced@canada.ca

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