$9m Covid fund opens for western Canada processors
Fish and seafood processors in western Canada whose businesses have been affected by Covid-19 restrictions will be able to apply for financial help from a CAN $9 million fund from next Monday, June 22.
The fund is being administered by regional development agency Western Economic Diversification Canada and is part of the CAN $62.5m Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund (CSSF) that covers fish and seafood processors in the west, Quebec and Atlantic Canada.
The CSSF is designed to help processors put in place health and safety measures to help protect workers against Covid-19 and maintain jobs. It will increase plant capacity to process, store, package, and distribute healthy, high-quality products, and to adapt processes and marketing to suit changing consumer demands.
Strong supply chain
Fisheries minister Bernadette Jordan said: “Covid-19 has created real challenges for our fish and seafood processing sector, and they have continued to respond with tenacity and innovation.
“The Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund will provide the sector with the support they need to increase their capacity and adapt their strategies to meet the changing demands of the consumer. And we know that by bolstering our processors, we are ensuring consistent buyers for our harvesters and a strong food supply chain, one that includes a consistent stream of Canada’s world class fish and seafood.”
Economic cornerstone
Tim Kennedy, president and chief executive of the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance, said: “We appreciate the recognition of the importance of the Canadian fish and seafood industry that comes with the launch of the Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund. Our industry is a cornerstone of the Canadian economy that supports thousands of jobs in our rural and coastal communities.”
Economic development minister Mélanie Joly, responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada, said: “The fish and seafood processors are facing new challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic and I am happy that Western Economic Diversification Canada is helping them to address the gap in this key sector for the West, which will help communities get through these challenging times.”
More information on the fund and how to apply to it can be found here.
