Government of Canada Commits to Blue Strategy Development

Throne Speech Support Opens Door to Economic Growth for Coastal and Rural Communities

OTTAWA, ON: The Fisheries Council of Canada (FCC) and the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA) today welcomed the Speech from the Throne’s commitment to a Blue Economy development strategy for Canada.

“Canada is a water nation. With three coasts and some of the most marine and freshwater resources in the world, communities and families rely on capturing value from our waters,” explained Tim Kennedy, CAIA President & CEO. “Today, the Government of Canada in the Speech from the Throne recognized it is time we have a Blue Economy strategy to help us sustainably secure this economic potential.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for fish and seafood is increasing more than almost any other food category. Simultaneously, Canadians are increasingly concerned about food security and stable job creation. Despite many difficulties during this COVID period, elements of the seafood sector have shown great resiliency and stability and continue to create jobs and to provide a stable, local food supply.

A blue economy strategy represents an opportunity to embrace Canada’s fish and seafood sector. Through visionary and aspirational targets, we can unleash our innovative potential to produce the best and highest quality seafood in the world.

“With world-leading seafood production and a talented workforce Canada’s fish and seafood producers are ready to work in partnership with our government to capture this potential for economic recovery in the coastal, Indigenous and rural communities that depend on us,” said Paul Lansbergen, President, Fisheries Council of Canada. “The time for economic innovation led by our oceans is now.”

Canada needs to regain pride in its seafood sector, and in so stimulate coastal community development and job creation, sustainable food production, and Indigenous reconciliation.

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
613-727-7450 ext. 2722

Sheri Beaulieu
Marketing & Communications Manager
CAIA
sheri.beaulieu@aquaculture.ca
613.853.0612

PDF: News Release_Government of Canada Commits to Blue Strategy Development (2020-09-23)