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Feds provide funding for fish, seafood producers

A $9.6 million investment was announced Wednesday to help fund 71 projects for fish and seafood processors in B.C.
seafood processing federal funding
Announced via Zoom by Delta MP, Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, the money has helped and will continue to help these food providers to weather the COVID-19 pandemic, keep jobs in their community and prepare for a strong economic recovery.

A $9.6 million investment was announced Wednesday to help fund 71 projects for fish and seafood processors in B.C.

Announced via Zoom by Delta MP, Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, the money has helped and will continue to help these food providers to weather the COVID-19 pandemic, keep jobs in their community and prepare for a strong economic recovery.

North Delta Seafoods Ltd. has used funding to equip employees with modern personal protective equipment and acquire new processing and packaging equipment.

“We are proud to partner with the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC to provide those in the fish and seafood processing industry with the right resources needed to address challenges and economic impacts brought on by the pandemic,” said Qualtrough. “Together, we are helping to protect the health and safety of workers at these facilities so that employees can remain employed, while businesses can continue their operations to ensure the integrity of Canada's food supply.”

An initiative of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the $62.5 million Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund is being delivered by Canada's regional development agencies. Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is delivering over $10 million in funding across the West. In British Columbia, WD has partnered with the Investment Agriculture Foundation of B.C. to deliver support to companies who need it most.

“We created the Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund (CSSF) specifically to address the unique needs of processors, and it's inspiring to see how our partners in British Columbia and across Canada are using these funds to actually strengthen the sector,” said Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard in a news release. “Through the CSSF, our seafood sector is re-tooling, re-branding, and finding new markets – all of which will help Canada's national economy build back better.”