Cultural sector concerned about lack of news on Ottawa’s promised $600M

Ottawa and the four Atlantic provinces have extended a multimillion-dollar fund to support the region’s fish and seafood sector amidst global economic challenges. Federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson announced on Thursday that the Atlantic Fisheries Fund will receive a five-year renewal, generating $300 million in investments for industry research, infrastructure, and other initiatives.

Ottawa will contribute 60 percent of the funds, while Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, P.E.I., and Newfoundland and Labrador will cover the remaining share. The fund was established in 2017 and has already allocated over $370 million to more than 1,300 projects. The additional financing will also support market expansion efforts for the sector through advertising, branding, and market research.

The federal Fisheries Department believes that enhanced marketing will bolster the sector’s resilience against global trade disruptions. Thompson emphasized the importance of diversifying the sector’s markets, stating, “When Atlantic seafood sells to more of the world, we build Canada strong.” She made these remarks in a statement accompanying the fund's renewal.