OTTAWA, OCTOBER 22, 2026 – Canadian Seafood Farmers has announced its 2026–2027 Executive Committee of the Board of Directors, elected on October 16, 2026. Chaired by Joel Richardson of family-owned Cooke Aquaculture in New Brunswick, the committee brings together leaders from Canada’s finfish, shellfish and aquaculture supply sectors.
The election follows the association’s recent name change from the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance to Canadian Seafood Farmers / Producteurs Aquacoles Canadiens, reflecting its alignment with Canada’s broader food and agriculture community.
“Our priority is clear: grow more Canadian seafood here at home in an environmentally responsible way,” says Joel Richardson. “Our farmers and the Canadian businesses that support them are ready to invest more, create more jobs and strengthen food security by making product of Canada seafood more available and affordable than imports.”
2026–2027 Executive Committee
· Chair: Joel Richardson, Cooke Aquaculture
· Vice-Chair: Jennifer Woodland, Cermaq Canada
· Treasurer: Cyr Couturier, Independent
· Secretary: Mia Parker, Mowi Canada
· Executive Members at Large:
o Elizabeth Barlow, Cermaq Canada
o Steve Langley, Atlantic Aqua Farms Ltd.
o Gordon McLellan, Mac’s Oysters Ltd.
o Trevor Stanley, Skretting North America
o Wendy Vandersteen, Taplow Feeds
The Executive Committee will work with the Board of Directors to advance the association’s priorities: securing a positive, science-based path for BC salmon farming; ensuring seafood farmers receive recognition and support alongside other Canadian farmers; and modernizing federal management of the shellfish sector to enable new production and reliable supply.
“This executive brings together practical experience from seafood farming and the supply chain that makes it possible,” says Timothy Kennedy, President & CEO of Canadian Seafood Farmers. “Their leadership will help us advance the policy certainty and recognition our members need to grow. Together, we are focused on building a stronger Canadian food system and putting more healthy, nutritious Canadian seafood on Canadian plates.”
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About Canadian Seafood Farmers
Canadian Seafood Farmers contribute $6 billion in economic activity, $2 billion in GDP, and 18,000 jobs across Canada, with over $1 billion in annual export value. Canadian Seafood Farmers works alongside Canada’s broader food and agriculture community to advance a resilient, competitive and sustainable Canadian food system. Through its membership in and engagement with organizations including the Canadian Animal Health Institute, Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance, Canadian Agricultural Human Resources Council, Canadian Centre for Food Integrity, Canadian Federation of Agriculture and National Farm Animal Care Council, Canadian Seafood Farmers supports shared priorities in animal health and welfare, skilled labour, public trust, trade, food security and responsible food production.
Sheri Beaulieu
Manager of Marketing and Communications
Canadian Seafood Farmers
Email: [email protected]