Canada’s high quality, sustainable fish and seafood products are known worldwide. Canada along with the provinces and territories are expanding markets, building on our country’s strong international brand and growing trade opportunities.
May 6, 2022
Grande-Entrée, QC – Canada’s high quality, sustainable fish and seafood products are known worldwide. Canada along with the provinces and territories are expanding markets, building on our country’s strong international brand and growing trade opportunities.
On behalf of the Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Gaspésie-Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine, together with André Lamontagne, Quebec Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and Minister responsible for the Centre-du-Québec Region and Minister responsible for the Chaudière-Appalaches Region, today announced that the Government of Quebec is joining eight other provinces and one territory as a partner with Fisheries and Oceans Canada in the Canadian Fish and Seafood Opportunities Fund (CFSOF).
The CFSOF is a cost-shared fund (70% federal and 30% provincial/territorial) that focuses on advancing a national approach to market access issues, as well as promoting branding and recognition opportunities for the Canadian fish and seafood sector.
Eligible applicants are not-for-profit industry organizations (e.g. associations and Indigenous groups) operating on a national, regional, or sector-wide basis in the fish and seafood sector who are active in, or supporting, marketing activities related to the sector. A collection of organizations may also be eligible if they can demonstrate that they represent a significant segment of production within a sector, and can demonstrate their ability to deliver a project from a national perspective.
Applicants may submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the CFSOF at any time. Eligible applicants who meet the principles, criteria, and objectives of the program may be invited to submit a full proposal following the EOI stage.
“The Government of Canada is pleased that Quebec is joining the Canadian Fish and Seafood Opportunities Fund. With this agreement, eligible Quebec-based fish and seafood industry organizations are now able to access funding to promote Canada’s world-class fish and sustainable seafood across the world. Together, we can grow the sustainable Canadian seafood sectors through strategic investments that will help the industry access new markets.”
The Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
“The global demand for high-quality, sustainably sourced fish and seafood is growing at an incredible rate. I sincerely believe that Quebec is very well positioned to take advantage of this growth. We have a highly skilled workforce, an innovative and well-regulated industry, and products that are in demand and recognized around the world for their exceptional quality, value, variety, and durability.”
The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue
“Québec’s inclusion in the Canadian Fish and Seafood Opportunities Fund, under the conditions negotiated by Québec, is finally a reality. This matter was a priority for me and our government, as this integration will contribute concretely to the efforts made by our fisheries and aquaculture industry. The available funds will be used to help promote our exceptional-quality local products. Along the same lines, we have also renewed our financial support of the organization Le Bon Goût Frais des Îles, since its mission is consistent with our Bio-Food Policy and our vision of food autonomy.”
André Lamontagne, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and Minister responsible for the Centre-du-Québec Region and Minister responsible for the Chaudière-Appalaches Region
Together with provincial and territorial partners, the Government of Canada is supporting the fish and seafood sector with over $42 million in non-repayable support through the Canadian Fish and Seafood Opportunities Fund (CFSOF).
The CFSOF is a cost-shared program (70% federal and 30% provincial) and will fund eligible activities supported by participating provinces and territories (QC, BC, SK, NT, YK, ON, NB, PE, NS, and NL).
Since 2018, 9 projects, with total assistance of almost $9.7 million, have been awarded under the CFSOF. The fish and seafood sector is integral to the economic and social fabric of hundreds of coastal and Indigenous communities in Canada, and generates approximately $3.5 billion (Gross Domestic Product) for the Canadian economy.
Kevin Lemkay
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
613-408-5568
Kevin.Lemkay@dfo-mpo.gc.ca