OTTAWA, OCTOBER 30, 2026 — Canadian Seafood Farmers welcomes the federal government’s recognition of food security as a Strategic Capability in The Plan for a Stronger Canada: National Security for Canadians.
The Plan commits Canada to strengthening food security through expanded domestic production, processing, and distribution capacity. Canada’s seafood farmers are ready to help deliver on that commitment by producing more nutritious, Canadian-raised seafood, supporting good jobs in coastal and rural communities, and reducing reliance on imported food.
“Food security is national security,” said Timothy Kennedy, President & CEO, Canadian Seafood Farmers. “Canadian seafood farmers are already part of the solution. However, our production has been stalled for two decades. Because of poor policy decisions made for B.C., production has declined and imports of salmon have doubled since 2016 to $765 million and we are now more dependent on food from other countries.”
“With globally leading potential, it’s time to supercharge the sector’s production and job creation. Our farmers living in remote rural and coastal communities help ensure that our country remains sovereign by working and living in these areas. With the right policy recognition and support, we can grow more food here at home, create jobs in coastal and rural communities, achieve real and meaningful Indigenous reconciliation, and help build a more sovereign and resilient Canada.”
In 2024, Canadian aquaculture produced over 160,000 tonnes of farmed seafood, valued at $1.36 billion. The sector’s broader economic footprint was $6 billion. It supported 18,000 full-time jobs and provided $1.01 billion in labour income.
The opportunity is significant. Global aquaculture production reached 142 million tonnes in 2024, reflecting the increasing role of farmed seafood in feeding a growing population. With responsible, science-based growth, Canada can produce more food at home, strengthen domestic supply chains, and compete in a rapidly expanding global market.
Canadian Seafood Farmers calls for aquaculture to be fully recognized as agriculture and included in the implementation of the National Food Security Strategy. The organization looks forward to working with the Government of Canada, provinces and territories, and Indigenous partners to advance this goal.
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About Canadian Seafood Farmers
Canada’s seafood farmers contribute $6 billion in economic activity, $2 billion in GDP, and 18,000 jobs across Canada, with more than $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. For more information, visit www.aquaculture.ca.
Sheri Beaulieu
Manager of Marketing and Communications
Canadian Seafood Farmers
Email: [email protected]