St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.- Investments in clean technology that support more sustainable fishing and aquaculture sectors protect our environment while helping businesses remain competitive in the global trade market. Taking action to make our Canadian businesses stronger and more competitive by making targeted investments in clean solutions will help us grow and sustain a vibrant coastal economy.
Today, the Member of Parliament for Avalon, Ken McDonald, on behalf of the Minister of Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, announced more than $1.5 million in funding from the Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program (FACTAP) to support clean economic growth in Atlantic Canada. The provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island together contributed more than $260,000 to these FACTAP projects.
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, Christopher Mitchelmore from the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, joined MP McDonald in making this announcement, $1.2 million of which will go toward a clean technology project for the off-shore fishing industry sector in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program provides $20 million over four years to help businesses incorporate new, clean technologies into their day-to-day operations, accelerating the use of more sustainable and efficient tools, practices and techniques.
Commercial fisheries and aquaculture from coast to coast to coast contribute significantly to the Canadian economy. These sectors generate $4.5 billion annually in gross domestic product and provide thousands of good middle class jobs, many in Indigenous, rural and coastal communities.
The projects announced today will help fisheries and aquaculture businesses adopt greener practices that will improve energy efficiency, reduce waste and reduce climate change causing carbon dioxide emissions. Projects include; $52,032 in funding to Bill and Stanley Oyster in NS; $1,200,000 over two years to support Ocean Choice International in Newfoundland; $75,000 over two years for the Abegweit Conservation Society in PEI; $113,000 for l’Étang Ruisseau Bar in New Brunswick; and $88,177 for Clarke and Sons Fishing in Newfoundland. Combined, these projects will help Atlantic Canada businesses take steps to incorporate clean technologies, processes and sustainable practices into their day-to-day operations and keep them competitive in a global trade market.
