Canada\’s salmon farmers welcome $62m seafood aid package

THE Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance has welcomed a $62.5-million package to help the country’s seafood industry through the Covid-19 crisis. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced the measure amid mounting concerns over the state of the country\’s food supply.

He said the funds will go toward protecting workers and putting in place recommended health guidelines within the industry. Seafood processors and harvesters are worried about whether they will have the labour they need — including enough temporary foreign workers — to fill out their workforce, while others have called for delays to the spring season as they work to establish proper safety protocols.

The aquaculture alliance (CAIA) and the Fisheries Council of Canada said in a joint statement they wanted to thank Trudeau, adding:

\’As an essential service filling grocery store shelves for Canadians, this support is critical to ensuring the continued operations of our sector as we adjust to the latest public health guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic\’.

Timothy Kennedy, President and CEO of the CAIA said:

\’Together, our industry continues to work to provide safe, healthy and sustainable farm-raised and wild sourced food products. This support will help to ensure our industry remains operational to support Canadians at this critical time and as we begin to recover from this crisis.\’

The two organisations added:

\’As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, we look forward to continuing to engage with our governments, industry authorities and the public to ensure the Canadian fish and seafood industry continues to provide its essential service of feeding Canadians.\’

Many of Canada’s salmon farms are outside owned by Norwegian companies such as Mowi.