GASPÉSIE, QC – Canada’s fish and seafood sector is an integral part of the economic and social fabric of many coastal communities across Quebec. That is why the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec are working together to modernize the sector.
Today, the Minister of National Revenue, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, on behalf of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, along with the Premier of Quebec, Mr. François Legault, and the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of Quebec, Mr. André Lamontagne, announced the upcoming launch of the Quebec Fisheries Fund (QFF), a five-year program that will provide $42.8 million in funding to the sector. The federal government will contribute $30 million, and $12.8 million will be provided by the government of Quebec.
The QFF will focus on growing opportunities and increasing value for sustainably sourced, high quality fish and seafood products. Investments flowing from the QFF will position the fish and seafood sector in Quebec for long-term sustainable growth.
Eligible projects must focus on:
- Innovation – to support research and development of new innovations that contribute to the sustainability of the fish and seafood sector, and to create partnerships and networks that aim to promote and encourage innovation in the sector;
- Infrastructure – to adapt new technologies, processes, or equipment to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of the fish and seafood sector; and
- Science Partnerships – fisheries and aquaculture industry based partnerships with academia and institutions to enhance knowledge and understanding of the impacts of changing oceanographic conditions and sustainable harvesting technology.
In the coming weeks and months, the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec will engage with a broad range of industry representatives, Indigenous peoples, non-government organizations, and the science and academic communities in Quebec. This engagement will continue throughout the life of the program in order to inform investment priorities and identify opportunities and potential partners.
