Meeting of Eastern Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers (communiqué only)

Ministers responsible for fisheries and aquaculture from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Québec, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and the federal Minister of Fisheries met on the margins of Seafood Expo North America, where they were supporting industry efforts to diversify their markets and grow exports from Eastern Canada.

After more than two years of advocacy, Atlantic Canada and Québec ministers welcomed the federal government’s commitment to renew and revitalize both the Atlantic Fisheries Fund and the Québec Fisheries Fund.

Ministers discussed the future of the Funds, focusing on how they can be structured to continue their strong contributions towards industry innovation and market diversification.

Ministers agreed to begin negotiations immediately to establish program parameters for the funds, in respect of each government roles and responsibilities. All governments acknowledge the urgency to renew this important agreement to support the fish and seafood sector.

Ministers look forward to continued collaboration to support Eastern Canada’s seafood industry.

Left to Right: The Honourable Loyola O’Driscoll, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture for Newfoundland and Labrador; The Honourable Pat Finnegan Minister of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries for New Brunswick;  M. Donald Martel Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for Quebec; The Honourable Joanne Thompson Minister of Fisheries for Canada; The Honourable Kent Smith Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture for Nova Scotia; The Honourable Ernie Hudson Minister of Fisheries, Rural Development and Tourism for Prince Edward Island