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Future Leaders Canada

In partnership with the National Fisheries Institute in the United States, Future Leaders Canada accepts participants working in the fish and seafood industry who are interested in gaining the skills and insider knowledge needed to become successful champions for the sector.

Industry-specific professional development for the Canadian fisheries industry.

Overview

Travel to sessions in 3 cities for 3 days each

Get valuable insight into the fisheries supply chain

Network with experts, industry leaders & peers

Sessions can include:
  • Facility tours
  • Port tours
  • Vessel tours
  • Vessel operations insights
  • Advocacy meetings with Parliamentarians
  • Food production tours
  • Packaging tours
  • Logistics presentations
  • Innovation exploration

This program has been great to gain a better appreciation and understanding of the seafood industry as a whole. – Denise Avery, Clearwater

Even just the first session exposed us to things that I am sure some of us never imagined we would experience in our industry.  Can’t wait to see what we do next.” – Bob Courage, BAADER

The past six months I have had the privilege to see so many aspects that are crucial to the vitality of the fishing industry. It has been an incredible journey with the most amazing people who are I am fortunate to call friends. – Roxanne Notley, NunatuKavut

“The FCC Future Leaders program has been a great experience – it has given me the ability to expand to parts of the operation that I might never have had the opportunity to. It’s been amazing to see so many successful local businesses! I have built some solid connections that have already improved our operations.” – Nelson Stone, Ocean Choice International

What a Future Leader Should Expect

The Canadian seafood industry is diverse in geography, in harvest type, and in size of company. This program seeks to expose Future Leaders Canada participants to the various aspects of the seafood industry and allow ample opportunities for networking with classmates. In addition to facility tours, each class is shown several one-of-a-kind experiences on Parliament Hill and with retailers and restaurants (their customers’ customers). Be prepared for a challenging and rewarding experience with a full and engaging agenda.

What is Expected of a Future Leader

A Future Leader should conduct themselves professionally and with integrity at all times. Participants are held to the highest standards and are expected to treat each other and all others with respect and consideration. A successful Future Leader will be prepared, on-time, and professional throughout each session.

2024 Tuition

FCC Members will invest $4,400 CAD/$3,214 USD in their future leadership. The investment fee for non-FCC Members is $6,400 CAD/$4,675 USD. The tuition includes all sessions. Participants are responsible for hotel, travel, and some meal expenses.

To apply to be a Future Leader of the Canadian seafood community:

  1. Complete the application form.
  2. Attach a one-page written bio of yourself, your seafood experience, and why you would like to be a Future Leader.
  3. Include tuition payment made payable to National Fisheries Institute. (Please note there is a 5% surcharge for credit cards and will be processed in US dollars)
  4. Send to Gerrie Thomas at NFI. The deadline for applications is 26 January 2024. There will be no refunds after attending the first session.
  5. If you are selected to be in the Future Leaders Canada Class of 2024, you will be notified no later than 31 January 2024.

2024 Dates & Curriculum

NETWORKING BREAKFAST: BOSTON (OPTIONAL)

13 March 2024

Join the Class of 2024 for an optional Networking Breakfast on 9 March during Seafood Expo North America.

Note: Not required for those not attending SENA.


SESSION I: OTTAWA, ON & MONTREAL, QC

28 April -1 May 2024

3 days/3 nights

  • Networking: Meet your fellow leaders
  • Government Relations: Understand how Parliament and governments impact the fishing community
  • Communications Training: Learn “hands-on” how to handle the tough media questions and how to meet with government officials
  • Fisheries Council of Canada Leadership: Understand how your company’s investment in FCC helps your company and the seafood community
  • Embassy Visit(s): Understand how Canada’s export strategies benefit the seafood industry
  • Government Regulations: Briefings on regulations that govern fisheries, aquaculture, and food safety
  • Indigenous Culture Awareness: A session that fosters Indigenous culture appreciation over appropriation
  • Port of Entry Tour: Meet with Canadian government officials to learn the evolving regulations to get Canadian seafood into the U.S. market

SESSION II: CHICAGO, IL

9-12 July 2024

3 days/3 nights (Note: Valid passport required)

  • Culinary Event: So you caught fish. And you can decently fillet it. Now test if you can actually cook it with the sizzle that makes a restaurant guest want to pay top dollar for that Canadian seafood
  • Cold Storage Tour: Gain an appreciation for the logistics challenges once seafood leaves the dock and Canadian processing plant
  • Broadline Distributors: Understand the expectations of large broadline distributors of the seafood supply chain, including Canadian harvesters
  • Seafood Specialty Distributors: Gain an appreciation for how specialty distributors differentiate themselves from broadliners, and how Canadian seafood companies can gain access to these niche marketers
  • Chef Discussion: Discuss with chefs their evolving demands of suppliers, from an expectation of documented sustainability through to help with identifying new species to serve guests
  • National Retailer Visit: Learn from a major retailer how they seek to make seafood simpler and easier for U.S. consumers to enjoy in home

SESSION III: ST. JOHN, NB

13-15 August 2024

3 days/3 nights

  • Salmon Hatchery: Seafood is an evolving industry, with new technologies. Leaders need an appreciation for how other aspects of the seafood supply chain operate.
  • Salmon Farm: Learn about the challenges and opportunities in the aquaculture production of salmon
  • Processing Plant Tours: Each packing plant brings its own experiences and insights in getting Canadian seafood from the boat to a form the North American and global consumer wants
  • Marine Research Facility: Atlantic Canada’s oldest permanent marine research facility. Station scientists conduct ecosystem science in support of the Fisheries and Oceans Canada departmental mandate to manage, regulate and support human activities in Canadian waters.

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