Government of Canada Announces Nearly $2 Million in Funding for Projects to Adopt Clean Tech in Quebec’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector

From: Fisheries and Oceans Canada

News release

November 12, 2020

Quebec, Quebec - Improving the environmental sustainability of Quebec businesses while ensuring they remain competitive in the marketplace is a shared goal of many hardworking Canadians. Now more than ever, this goal is challenging.  That is why the Government of Canada is making targeted investments in deploying clean technology solutions that will help aquaculture and fisheries-related businesses become cleaner, greener, and more sustainable.

Today, the leader of the Government in the House of Commons, the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, together with the Quebec Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Mr. André Lamontagne, announced seven projects receiving support from the Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program to support clean economic growth in Quebec. The Government of Canada is contributing nearly $2 million in funding and the Government of Quebec is adding more than $300,000 towards these projects.

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption program is a $20 million program (2017-2021) that provides funding to help businesses incorporate clean technologies into their day-to-day operations. It is intended to accelerate the use of more sustainable and efficient tools, practices and techniques.

Commercial fisheries and aquaculture are important contributors to the Canadian economy. These sectors contribute approximately $4.5 billion annually in gross domestic product and provide thousands of jobs across our country — many in Indigenous, rural and coastal communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these investments continue to help ensure and strengthen Canadians access to fish and seafood resources by supporting the small and medium sized-businesses that are the bedrock of our industry.

The seven projects announced today will support fisheries and aquaculture businesses in adopting greener practices by improving fish waste treatment, increasing energy efficiency, reducing water use, creating greater reliance on green energy, modernizing fisheries sonar, and reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Quotes

“The projects we are funding through the Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program will support the women and men in Quebec’s seafood sector build more prosperous, sustainable practices for years to come. These investments will not only help our fisheries overcome the economic challenges of the pandemic, but actually emerge stronger and more resilient than ever.”

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

“North Shore businesses and workers have not had it easy due to the pandemic, but they have pulled themselves together. Today's announcement is a serious boost to innovation and economic recovery in the region. It will improve the efficiency of our businesses, and create good jobs for families on the North Shore and in the Gaspé Peninsula. We will continue to work with the Government of Quebec to help Quebecers through this crisis.”

The Honorable Pablo Rodriguez
Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Québec Lieutenant

“The projects we are announcing today will help achieve the government’s targets for the commercial fisheries and aquaculture industry in Québec. In this regard, these projects will, for example, promote the sustainability and environmental performance of the industry and accelerate the automation and robotization of aquatic product processing companies. Additionally, they support diversification of fish farm production. As a result, Québec fish products will enjoy a stronger positioning among consumers. In this way, the Government of Québec is making a concrete investment in the economic recovery of our maritime regions.” 

Mr. André Lamontagne
Quebec Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

“The Indigenous Affairs Secretariat is pleased to support the adoption of innovative technologies while contributing to the economic vitality of First Nations communities. I am proud that the Secretariat is a partner in the Nutashkuan Fisheries Environmental Impact Reduction Project. This is a concrete gesture. Respect for the environment has always been a fundamental value of the Innu Nation. I wish the members of the community an abundant fishery. I have good hope.”

M. Ian Lafrenière
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs

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Contacts

Jane Deeks
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
353-550-9594
Jane.deeks@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-990-7537
Media.xncr@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

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