Harper Government invests to help Canadian seafood industry expand into international markets

News Release

June 26, 2014 – North Vancouver, British Columbia - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Parliamentary Secretary Pierre Lemieux, on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, and Andrew Saxton, Member of Parliament for North Vancouver, today announced an investment of over $136,000 to the Canadian Highly Migratory Species Foundation to brand and promote the export of Canadian albacore tuna.

With this investment, the Canadian Highly Migratory Species Foundation will engage in market development activities to raise the international profile and increase demand for Canadian albacore tuna. This project will support the industry's efforts to diversify and expand its markets, focusing on growing its presence in seafood markets such as Mexico, Central America and South America. Project activities will include: attending international trade shows, developing new business networks, leading promotions to the food service industry, as well as partnering with chefs on menu and recipe creations featuring Canadian tuna.

Quick facts

Canadian albacore tuna has been given a Health Check rating by the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation and contains among the highest levels of Omega-3 fatty acid of any fish species.
In 2013, the Canadian tuna industry generated $36 million in export sales.
The AgriMarketing Program is a five-year, $341-million initiative under Growing Forward 2 that seeks to build and promote Canada's ability to expand domestic and export markets through promotional activities to help position and differentiate Canadian products.

Quotes

“Canadian albacore tuna is second to none and is enjoyed by consumers around the world. International buyers can be assured that when they import from Canada, they are receiving the highest quality seafood products.”
Parliamentary Secretary Pierre Lemieux

“This is an important investment that will help ensure Canada's world-class fish and seafood industry gets the international recognition it deserves. Our Government is committed to expanding trade markets, such as through the Asia-Pacific Gateway here in BC, and we will continue to work with industry partners to promote Canadian business at home and abroad.”
Andrew Saxton, MP for North Vancouver and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance

“Canadian albacore tuna is proudly harvested individually, using barbless hooks, by over 200 members of the British Columbia tuna fleet and processed in British Columbia. The ever-increasing awareness by consumers of issues related to sustainability, management, nutrition, and product safety has led many to re-examine their consumption of fish and seafood products as a positive alternative to other sources of protein. As a result, consumers are becoming aware of Canadian albacore tuna as an emerging star on the world stage of nutritious seafood.”
Lorne Clayton, Executive Director, Canadian Highly Migratory Species Foundation

Associated links

Growing Forward 2 (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
AgriMarketing Program (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
Canadian Highly Migratory Species Foundation

Contacts

Emily Hogeveen
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
Follow us on Twitter: @AAFC_Canada

Lorne Clayton
Executive Director
Canadian Highly Migratory Species Foundation
chmsf@ieccorporate.com
250-658-0189

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2016-12-14

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Harper Government invests to help Canadian seafood industry expand into international markets

News Release

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