Canadian Aquaculture Industry Welcomes Gail Shea as New Fisheries & Oceans Minister

Seeks Strong Partnership to Spur Jobs & Growth

OTTAWA, July 15, 2013 /CNW/ - The Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA) today welcomed the Honourable Gail Shea as the new federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and expressed their enthusiasm to work together to create new jobs and growth following today's cabinet shuffle by Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

"We look forward to working in close partnership with Minister Shea to hasten the pace and broaden the reach of the economic and health benefits that flow from Canada's farmed seafood sector," said Ruth Salmon, Executive Director of CAIA. "Canada has an opportunity to lead the world as we build upon and expand a responsibly developed aquaculture industry. With the new Minister's leadership we are confident this moment can be seized."

The Minister of Fisheries and Oceans holds lead federal responsibility for aquaculture and Canada's farmed seafood sector, which operates in every part of the country creating well-paying jobs for thousands of Canadians while providing consumers with highly nutritious and healthy seafood for their daily diet.

As demand for nutritious and safe seafood outstrips the production capacity of the wild fishery, aquaculture has grown substantially worldwide. Each year demand grows worldwide by 7% to 9%. This has led to intense global competition as nations such as Norway, New Zealand and Scotland have expanded their capacity significantly. During this time, Canada's industry has remained largely unchanged suggesting the opportunity to grow and recapture a sizable portion of global market share is substantial.

"With a supportive policy and regulatory environment, our industry is ready to expand dramatically, creating new jobs and growth, much of that activity in coastal and aboriginal communities," added Salmon.

CAIA also took the opportunity to thank outgoing Fisheries and Ocean Minister Keith Ashfield for his dedication and work on behalf of Canada's farmed seafood sector.

"Minister Ashfield recognized the potential of our industry and provided appreciated leadership in fostering a national vision for our growth," concluded Salmon. "His is a record and approach that we can build upon".

CAIA members generate over $2 billion in economic activity, over $1 billion in GDP, and employ over 14,500 Canadians. Our mission is to unlock the full range of economic, environmental and public health benefits that flow from a competitive, sustainable and growing farmed seafood sector.

To learn more about aquaculture in Canada visit www.aquaculture.ca.

SOURCE: Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance

or to request an interview, please contact:

Sheri Beaulieu
Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA)
[email protected]
613-853-0612