Hello everyone.
It’s a pleasure to be in Pointe-Sapin – this friendly fishing village at the mouth of the Norththumberland Strait. With record breaking snowfalls across the province this winter, I’m sure you’re all eagerly anticipating spring and what it means for your fishery.
For those who may not be aware, I was in Boston last month working closely with our Canadian companies in the fish and seafood sector on showcasing our world-class products. I was really proud to see members of the New Brunswick delegation making a big splash there.
$4,914,421,508: that was the value of Canadian fish and seafood exports all around the world in 2014. Compared to 2013, this is an 11.75% increase.
Canadian fish and seafood exports reached new markets in 2014, with exports to 136 countries; up from 123 countries in 2013. That is impressive and you can be proud of those numbers as they are the result of your hard work.
As global markets expand, Canada’s fishing and aquaculture industries continue to grow and adapt. The evolution of the lobster sector is particularly interesting to watch. Canadian lobster is in high demand all over the world, but exports to China are growing exponentially.
Opening up new international markets will allow fishermen and exporters to further capitalize on this growing trend.
Clearly, our free-trade agreement with South Korea that entered into force on January 1st of this year, as well as our soon-to-be-ratified free-trade deal with the European Union, are already producing very concrete results.
Our trade agreement with South Korea represents Canada’s first free trade agreement in the Asia-Pacific region and provides new access for your industry. It is projected to boost Canada’s economy by $1.7 billion annually and increase Canadian exports to South Korea by 32 percent.
Under the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement, all South Korean tariffs on fish and seafood products will be eliminated.
Phasing out these tariffs for the seafood sector will help level the playing field with other countries that already enjoy free trade agreements with the EU and Korea. This will make our world-class products more competitive and foster increased sales.
You may have seen in the media recently that a cargo flight takes an average of 40,000 kilograms of live lobster from Halifax to Seoul every week.
New Brunswick is also capitalizing on the global demand for its most lucrative fishery. The Greater Moncton International Airport, for instance, has been making investments in its infrastructure to ensure it’s well placed to take advantage of more and more of these ‘lobster flights’.
It’s also interesting to note that even before the coming into force of our trade agreement with the European Union, Canada’s biggest seafood export increase overall last year was to the European Union with a 24 percent increase in export growth, valued at $89 million.
On the first day of the Canada-EU agreement coming into force, your industry will see the elimination of 96 percent of tariffs on fish and seafood.
New Brunswick is well positioned to benefit from increased export opportunities to the EU’s 500 million consumers and their $17 trillion annual economic activity.
These agreements are game-changers for Canada, especially here in New Brunswick.
Domestically, this will result in job creation, higher wages and long-term prosperity. The elimination of tariffs will open up untapped markets throughout Europe and Asia. This means our fishermen and aquaculturists will see more of their harvest on dinner tables around the world as consumers become exposed to the world class products that Canada has to offer.
Opening new markets is not the only way our Government is supporting your industry.
Without a question, small craft harbours are the cornerstone of the commercial fishing industry.
That’s why Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced we would be investing an additional $288 million over two years in harbours across the country. This is in addition to the annual regular program funding allocated for Small Craft Harbours. Taken together, our Government will invest a record breaking $462 million in small craft harbours over two years!
For generations, hard-working men and women have made their livelihoods from these waters hauling catches of lobster and herring. With about 85 vessels in its fleet and another 15 transient vessels using the facilities, Pointe-Sapin continues to support fisheries worth over $3.8 million annually.
Given the importance of harbours to fishing communities, I’m pleased to tell you that the Government of Canada has set aside approximately $36.2 million in funding to make improvements at a number of harbours in the area.
Harbours benefiting from this funding include:
- Caraquet
- Lamèque
- Le Goulet
- Miller Brook
- Miscou
- Petit-Rocher
- Pigeon Hill
- Sainte-Marie-sur Mer,
- Shippagan
- MacEachern’s Point
- Loggiecroft
- New Mills
- Escuminac and, of course,
- Pointe-Sapin
A wide variety of work will be undertaken at these harbours including everything from electrical system replacement to dredging….from repairing and building wharves to constructing breakwaters.
Here in Pointe-Sapin, funding will be used to replace a deteriorating wharf and the launching ramp, as well as dredging the channel. Upon completion, fishermen will benefit from safer navigation and a more efficient working environment.
This funding is part of our Government’s ongoing commitment to support harbours, local economies and foster job creation. Ensuring that small craft harbours are kept in good operating condition not only benefits those who use them but also the communities where they are located.
Nationwide, more than 250 small craft harbours will undergo maintenance work and improvements over the next two years, which includes 39 harbours here in New Brunswick. Not only will this funding help ensure Canada’s harbours operate safely and securely, it will also encourage job creation and economic growth in communities like Pointe-Sapin.
The dedicated fishermen who make up this fleet work hard for their families, communities and Canada. In turn, our Government is proud to work on their behalf. New investments in infrastructure are just another way our Government is supporting Canadian fishermen.
Before closing, I want to thank Ernest Mazerolle from the local Harbour Authority for joining me today and for all the work you do year round to manage, operate and maintain this harbour facility.
It’s also worth noting that Ernest was the recipient of the Individual Commitment Distinction Award for his work as president of the Harbour Authority. This award recognizes his extraordinary dedication to the ongoing success of this harbour.
Our Government believes in the growth of our Canadian fisheries. We also believe in the future of this sector and are committed to working with you to build a more prosperous and sustainable fishery.
Thank you all for your hospitality today. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish you all a safe and profitable season.
