13 November 2009
Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
One of Atlantic Canada’s most successful and delicious exports will soon be making an impact in cities across China, thanks to the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF), a key economic stimulus initiative contained in the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament for West Nova, on behalf of the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, today announced an investment of over $70,000 to open up new international markets in China for the premium seafood.
“Our government, through our Economic Action Plan, is taking steps to reduce the effect of the economic slowdown,” said MP Kerr. “This investment will promote our seafood industry internationally and support a strong competitive seafood harvesting industry locally.” Earlier this month, Atlantic Canadian lobsters graced the tables of the China Seafood Exposition trade show in Qingdao, China. The event provided an opportunity to demonstrate the high quality of Atlantic lobster through cooking competitions, live lobster product demonstrations, and samplings. The Nova Scotia Fish Packers Association will continue to market live Atlantic Canadian lobsters in a selection of Chinese cities.
Over the next two years, the Government of Canada through CAF, will deliver a total of $1 billion to local economies throughout Canada. The total federal allocation for Atlantic Canada is $100.4 million and is delivered in the region by ACOA.
“This project will help identify the future market potential for premium quality, hard shell Atlantic Canadian live lobster in some new Chinese markets,” said Denny Morrow, Executive Director of the Nova Scotia Fish Packers Association. “The results will be fed into a promotional campaign for a premium Atlantic Canada brand live lobster that has great potential for boosting our exports to China.”
“The Atlantic Canadian seafood industry is the backbone of our economy and the livelihood of many of our people,” said Mr. Morrow. “This funding will allow us to develop a secure footing in a new and growing market and promote our industry on a world stage.”
For information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The Government of Canada is providing economic stimulus to open up a new international market in China for Atlantic Canadian lobster under the new $1 billion Community Adjustment Fund. The fund, part of the federal government’s Economic Action Plan, will help create jobs and maintain employment in communities across Canada.
MP Greg Kerr, on behalf of the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, today announced an investment of more than $70,000 to support the Nova Scotia Fish Packers Association’s lobster marketing activities in the Asian Republic for the premium seafood product.
-30-
INFORMATION:
David Harrigan
Senior Communications/Media Relations Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-4238
Email: David.harrigan@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
