March 26, 2015 – Moncton, NB – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
The Government of Canada and the Province of New Brunswick provided excellent news today to a number of oyster producers by announcing investments totaling close to $1.3 million toward seven projects in the growing oyster industry.
Robert Goguen, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Member of Parliament for Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for New Brunswick and Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), along with Bill Fraser, Minister of Tourism, Heritage and Culture and Minister responsible for the Miramichi Regional Economic Development and Innovation Fund, announced government support towards various operational expansions, increased efficiencies, increased sales opportunities and productivity improvements.
The seven oyster companies involved are: Acadian Bay Enterprises Inc./ Entreprises Baie Acadienne Inc., Sainte-Anne-de-Kent; Cape Oysters Ltd., Dieppe; Aquador Oysters Inc., Aldouane; R & D Shellfish Ltd., Cocagne; King Aquaculture Inc., Richibucto-Village; Mauril Bastarache, Bouctouche; and Norm’s Oyster Farm Ltd., Richibucto-Village.
The Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Business Development Program (BDP), is providing repayable contributions totaling $893,456, while the Government of New Brunswick is contributing $377,247 toward the seven projects.
Quick Facts:
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The historic Canada-EU Trade Agreement will open new markets throughout the EU for Canadian exporters and will generate significant benefits for all Canadians. This agreement has the potential to create 80,000 new Canadian jobs.
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Atlantic Canada fish and seafood exports have been increasing at a phenomenal rate – from $2.58 billion dollars in 2010 to $3.53 billion in 2014 – an almost $1 billion increase over five years. (Source: Industry Canada, Trade Data Online)
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In 2014, Canada exported nearly $5 billion worth of fish and seafood products. The Atlantic region accounts for more than 71 per cent of that amount. (Source: Industry Canada, Trade Data Online)
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In 2013, New Brunswick produced 790 tons of farmed shellfish – 93.5% included oysters valued at more than $5.6 million.
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It takes 2-6 years for an oyster to grow to harvestable size.
Quotes:
“Our Government’s support will help to ensure oyster cultivators in our region remain competitive and seize new business opportunities. Today’s investments are a prime example of how our Government is working to help communities sustain industries and achieve long-term prosperity.”
- Robert Goguen, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Member of Parliament for Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for New Brunswick and Minister of State (ACOA)
“New Brunswick’s shellfish industry has been an exciting area of growth over the last few years. We praise the ingenuity of these companies as they contribute to the economic fabric of our rural coastal communities and help move New Brunswick forward.”
- Bill Fraser, Minister of Tourism, Heritage and Culture and Minister responsible for the Miramichi Regional Economic Development and Innovation Fund
Summary of Projects:
Acadian Bay Enterprises Inc./ Entreprises Baie Acadienne Inc. – Government support will allow the company to purchase the equipment necessary to expand their operations into Cocagne Harbour.
Cape Oysters Ltd. – Government support will allow the company to purchase new equipment to expand their current operations in Cocagne Harbour.
Aquador Oysters Inc. - Government support will allow the company to construct a processing facility and purchase equipment in order to increase oyster production and operational efficiencies.
R & D Shellfish Ltd. - Government support will allow the company to purchase equipment to expand operations.
King Aquaculture Inc. - Government support will allow the company to construct a sorting facility to improve the efficiency of their operations and to purchase equipment to increase the level of their annual oyster production.
Mauril Bastarache – Government support will allow the company to purchase the equipment required to increase their annual level of oyster production.
Norm’s Oyster Farm Ltd. - Government support will allow the company to purchase equipment to maximize the use of their lease site and increase their annual level of oyster production.
Associated Links:
Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Paul CJ LeBlanc
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-452-3310
Elaine Bell
Communications Director
Economic Development/ Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries
506-453-8607
