Government of Canada announces $62.5 million to help fish and seafood processing sector

“For example, fish processing plants could buy new equipment, like freezers or storage space, so that their product — food for Canadians — can stay good while they respond to a changing market.”

The Government of Canada has announced that it is pumping CAD 62.5 million (EUR 42.6 million) to support the fish and seafood processing sector during the COVID-19 crisis.

Broadcast on Canadian television, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that the Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund will address the financial strain and instability that the fish and seafood processing sector is facing: “We’re giving more money to processors so they can purchase personal protective equipment for workers, adapt to health protocols and support other social distancing measures,” Trudeau said.

“For example, fish processing plants could buy new equipment, like freezers or storage space, so that their product — food for Canadians — can stay good while they respond to a changing market.”

Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard Bernadette Jordan . PHOTO: Facebook

Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard Bernadette Jordan said that the “women and men in our fish and seafood sector have been feeding this country for generations”

“Through the new Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund, our government is investing directly into this sector, ensuring the industry has the support it needs to adapt to current realities brought on by COVID-19. Bolstering our processing sector is vital to supporting fish harvesters and feeding Canadians,” the minister added.

Timothy J. Kennedy (R) President & CEO of the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance with MP Churence Rogers,
Bonavista-Burin-Trinity PHOTO: Twitter

The announcement of the support drew praise from trade organisations such as the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA): “Together, our industry continues to work to provide safe, healthy and sustainable farm-raised and wild-sourced food products,” said CAIA President & CEO Timothy Kennedy. “This support will help to ensure our industry remains operational to support Canadians at this critical time and as we begin to recover from this crisis.”

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