Welcomes a strong partnership and pathway for sustainable growth
Ottawa, ON, July 26, 2023 - The Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA) today welcomed the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier as the new federal Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and expressed their enthusiasm for working together to realize the significant potential of Canadian-grown seafood as an integral and expanding part of Canada’s food sector.
Timothy Kennedy, President & CEO of CAIA says the following: “We congratulate and look forward to working in partnership with the new Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Diane Lebouthillier. With evidence-based science and innovative policy, there is much potential for sustainable aquaculture production in Canada. A robust, innovative aquaculture sector in Canada can produce more home-grown affordable, healthy, low-carbon and sustainable food, while contributing to conservation, and growing thousands of jobs to support healthy and dynamic rural, coastal and Indigenous communities that need and want to continue to participate and partner in this growing food sector.”
“Salmon farming in British Columbia has faced significant policy challenges in the last few years, resulting in a reduction in food production and jobs, and higher food prices for Canadians. Under this new Minister we are optimistic for a fresh, innovative and pragmatic approach to growing and leveraging the competitive advantage that Canada’s ocean resources offer.”
The Minister of Fisheries and Oceans holds lead federal responsibility for aquaculture and Canada’s farmed seafood sector, which operates in every part of the country creating well-paying jobs for close to 20,000 Canadians while providing consumers with highly nutritious and healthy seafood for their daily diet.
Wild caught seafood cannot meet growing domestic and international demand for seafood. In response, aquaculture has grown substantially worldwide. Each year demand is expected to grow annually by 6.90% (CAGR 2023-2028). This has led to nations such as Norway, UK, Iceland, Chile and the United States significantly expanding their capacity. The new Minister can lead a new, modern policy and regulatory environment to get Canada back on track.
"Canada’s aquaculture sector adheres to a strict regulatory environment, while working to continuously innovate. Just like Canada rightly supports and promote our agricultural industries, the opportunity is here today to promote, strengthen and grow our aquaculture sector. We look forward to working with Minister Lebouthillier to build federal economic structural supports and legal and regulatory improvements, to foster long-term growth and global leadership – spurring new innovation and creating new jobs and partnerships in coastal, rural and Indigenous communities where sustainable economic futures are needed most," concluded Kennedy.
About Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance
Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA) is the national association that speaks for Canada’s seafood farmers, representing their interests in Ottawa and internationally to regulators, policy makers and political leaders. CAIA members generate over $5 billion in economic activity, $2 billion in GDP, and employ over 20,000 Canadians delivering a healthy and sustainable seafood farming sector in Canada. For more information, please visit www.aquaculture.ca.
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Contact: Sheri Beaulieu, Communications and Marketing Manager: sheri.beaulieu@aquaculture.ca