FCC welcomes new Fisheries Minister

Fisheries Council of Canada welcomes new Fisheries Minister


OTTAWA, July 18, 2018 – The Fisheries Council of Canada (FCC) welcomes the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson as the new Minister of Fisheries & Oceans and Canadian Coast Guard.

“On behalf of FCC members I welcome Minister Wilkinson to the portfolio and look forward to working with him on realizing the economic opportunities in front of the commercial fisheries sector,” said Paul Lansbergen, FCC President. He continued, “At the same time, we are ready to collaborate to ensure our fish and ocean resources are managed sustainably today and for future generations.”

The fisheries sector needs to accelerate investment to extract more value from what it harvests and processes. A recent study has indicated that the sector is missing out on $600 million annually in revenue. Additionally, growing global demand for protein, including fish and seafood, points to more export growth opportunities and the need for investment. FCC would also like to acknowledge the work of Minister LeBlanc in restoring key resources within DFO to address shortfalls from past years. “As regulator, DFO needs resources to conduct the necessary science to inform its policy and licensing decisions. Minister LeBlanc restored some of those resources and we hope this continues,” Lansbergen said.

The Canadian seafood industry creates 80,000 direct jobs, mainly in coastal and rural communities, and accounts for $7 billion in exports. Two-thirds of Canada’s wild capture seafood production (80 per cent by value) is certified by the Marine Stewardship Council. This puts Canada among the leaders globally when put in the context of only about 10% of the world’s fisheries being certified.

Since the Fisheries Council of Canada was established in 1915, the Council has been the national voice for Canada’s commercial fisheries. Our members include small, medium and larger-sized companies along with Indigenous enterprises that harvest fish in Canada’s three oceans and inland waters. Member companies are also processors who process the majority of Canada’s fish and seafood production. FCC members take pride in being key employers in their communities, providing jobs and creating an economic base for other local businesses.

For further information: Fisheries Council of Canada, info@fisheriescouncil.org

 

July 18, 2018 – Press Release:  FCC welcomes new Fisheries Minister

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