CanNor makes key investments in Nunavut's fishing and sealing industries

Nunavut's fishing and sealing industries are key economic drivers in the territory, supporting the livelihood of generations of Inuit. These industries are a source of sustainable economic development in Nunavut, providing jobs for Nunavummiut, as well as presenting significant potential for growth. That is why the Government of Canada has been there to support the industry over the last year.

Today, the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for CanNor, highlighted investments of over $3.2 million that have been made to support six projects that will continue to grow and diversify Nunavut's economy. This investment builds on CanNor's support to the development of Nunavut's fishing and sealing industries.

Nunavut initiatives supported by CanNor

PPE Adaptation and Shrimp Research and Marketing                 $1,550,000
CanNor is investing $1,550,000 with the Nunavut Fisheries Association providing $100,000 and the Government of Nunavut providing $50,000 in a one-year project. Total cost of the project is $1.7 million. The project is helping Nunavut's fishing industry deal with the impacts of COVID-19 while preparing for it to rebound in 2021. It supported investments in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other health and safety measures for in-plant and on-vessel operations. This included disinfectant fogging of vessels, barriers to promote social distancing and designating isolation areas on vessels. A state-of-the-art set of safety protocols was also created for each vessel.

The pandemic has also created significant issues in the hospitality and food sectors worldwide. This project includes support for branding, market research and strategic marketing to promote Nunavut's shrimp industry in China, Japan, and Europe.

Establishing a ringed seal Omega-3 Industry in Nunavut              $111,500
Feasibility Evaluation
CanNor is investing $111,500 with the Qikiqtaaluk Corporation (QC) providing $30,000 and the Government of Nunavut investing $72,150 in a one-year pilot project. Total cost of the project is $213,650. As part of the project, QC will pilot an Omega-3 extraction process in the Qikiqtani region from the under-utilized blubber of ringed seals. If the pilot project is successful, the next phase will be the development of an Omega-3 extraction industry using harvested ring seal blubber within Nunavut. The pilot project is expected to expand 10-15 harvesting jobs and result in the production of a market acceptability study, feasibility study, business development plan, as well as a clinical research protocol.

Small Scale Fisheries Development in Nunavut                      $335,617
CanNor is investing $335,617 with the World Wildlife Fund-Canada providing $195,259 towards a two-year small scale fisheries development project. Total cost of the project is $530,876. This project consists of exploratory inshore fisheries research to develop small scale community-owned commercial fisheries in Arviat, Kinngait, and Sanikiluaq. In partnership with the Arviat Hunters and Trappers Organization, the Aiviq Hunters and Trappers Association and the Sanikiluaq Hunters and Trappers Association, the project will identify fishing opportunities and establish potential markets for harvesters. The project is expected to provide direct employment opportunities within Nunavut communities, potentially creating up to 35 jobs.

Exploratory Fishing Char                                  $107,700
CanNor is investing $107,700 with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) contributing $21,000, and Kabva Marine Services & Contracting Ltd. adding $86,700 for a three-year test fishery project. Total funding for the project is $215,400. This project will establish test fisheries at two locations in Frobisher Bay - York Sound and Kendall Straits - with the goal of establishing a commercial char quota. Kabva will provide the boats and crews, work with DFO to process the catch and manage the delivery method from the catch site in Iqaluit. Kabva will sell the end product to the Iqaluit Hunters and Trappers Organization and other vendors. This project is expected to support the local employment of 12-14 fishermen over the duration of the project, with potential for additional, longer-term employment opportunities if a commercial quota is established.

Redfish Emerging/Exploratory Fishery Project                     $750,000
CanNor is investing $750,000 with a further investment of $300,000 from the Government of Nunavut and Qikiqtaaluk Corporation investing $330,000 towards a three-year project to undertake a multi-year exploratory offshore fishery project for redfish in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization's (NAFO) Division 0 (Baffin Bay & Davis Strait). Total cost of the project is $1,380,000. This project will determine if redfish are present in commercially harvestable concentrations. If this project determines that there are enough redfish to support a commercial fishery, QC will consider potentially expanding its fleet to take advantage of the opportunity. This exploratory project is expected to result in 20-30 new full-time jobs for Inuit and create greater revenues and profits.

Advancing Nunavut's Fisheries and Sealing Economies             $380,000
CanNor is investing $380,000 with the Government of Nunavut providing $394,750, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans investing $312,200, the Ocean Tracking Network contributing $113,680, the Fur Harvesters Auction contributing $100,000, the Seals and Sealing Network adding $25,000 and Baffin Fisheries adding $31,550. Total cost of the project is $1,357,180. The one-year project will conduct fisheries research and training, as well as improve market access and awareness of the sealing products sector. It will also improve Inuit capacity, employment and training in Nunavut's fishing and sealing industries. This project is expected to create 14 direct jobs for this year with the aim for future employment retention and expansion of economic opportunities for Nunavummiut.