OTTAWA, ON – The Fisheries Council of Canada (FCC) and the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA) would like to thank Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard for their work in launching the $62.5 million Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund (CSSF), as was announced today. Access to this funding will help to support the Canadian aquaculture and wild-capture fish and seafood sectors as they weather the COVID-19 pandemic on the front lines.
As an essential service, the Canadian fish and seafood industry has continued to work hard to maintain supply to consumers during this crisis. Adjusting to and adhering to public health guidance has meant increased costs for purchasing PPE, such as face masks and sanitizers for employees, installing physical distancing barriers and supporting mandatory isolation periods. Coupled with a changing marketplace, this has significantly impacted cash flow and created additional cost burdens for many companies.
“As with most essential services, the Canadian fish and seafood industry has had to overcome many hurdles to remain safe and operational during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Paul Lansbergen, President of FCC. “Federal support is critical to ensuring the industry remains strong to continue to support the food supply chain and lead the way for Canada’s economic recovery.”
“We appreciate the recognition of the importance of the Canadian fish and seafood industry that comes with the launch of the Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund,” said Timothy Kennedy, President & CEO of CAIA. “Our industry is a cornerstone of the Canadian economy that supports thousands of jobs in our rural and coastal communities.”
As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, we look forward to maintaining engagement with our governments, industry authorities and the public to ensure the Canadian fish and seafood industry is receiving the support it needs to continue to supply safe, healthy and sustainable food.
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The Fisheries Council of Canada (FCC) is the voice of Canada’s wild capture fish and seafood industry, promoting a healthy resource and prosperous industry playing a vital role in the Canadian economy. Our members include small, medium and larger-sized companies along with Indigenous enterprises that harvest and process fish from Canada's three oceans.
Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA) is the national association that speaks for Canada’s seafood farmers, representing their interests in Ottawa and internationally. CAIA members generate over $6 billion in economic activity, $2.45 billion in GDP, and employ over 25,000 Canadians delivering a healthy, growing and sustainable seafood farming sector in Canada.
For more information or to set up an interview please contact:
Kelly McCarthy ,Manager, Communications, FCC: kmccarthy@fisheriescouncil.org
Sheri Beaulieu, Marketing and Communications Manager, CAIA, sheri.beaulieu@aquaculture.ca