Canada.- The Provincial Government, through the Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association (NAIA), is investing just over $588,000 to develop labour market information tools and products for the province’s aquaculture industry. The Honourable Al Hawkins, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour, made the announcement today at the association’s Cold Harvest Conference and Trade Show in St. John’s.
The initiative builds on over $396,000 provided to NAIA to support the development of an Aquaculture Recruitment and Retention Strategy. Both actions were identified in the Aquaculture Sector Work Plan, a partnership between government and industry, through the Cabinet Committee on Jobs, to accelerate growth in aquaculture in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Through the Way Forward and the Aquaculture Sector Work Plan, government has committed to achieving industry growth and food self-sufficiency targets of 50,000 metric tonnes for salmon and 10,750 metric tonnes for mussels. By 2022, targets for growth are expected to generate 1,100 person years of employment and support the province in increasing food self-sufficiency from 10 to 20 per cent.
This initiative also delivers on commitments in The Way Forward to strengthen the province’s economic foundation. The Way Forward outlines all actions the Provincial Government is taking to achieve a strong, diversified province with a high standard of living, and can be viewed at thewayforward.gov.nl.ca.
Quotes
“Aquaculture is a sustainable industry with the incredible potential to provide employment opportunities and economic growth. Much progress is being made on the recruitment and retention strategy being undertaken by the Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association. The development of labour market tools specific to aquaculture will further help build the industry and create the jobs needed to support a bright future for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable Al Hawkins
Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour
“The aquaculture industry is worth over $200 million annually to the provincial economy. With our assets, attractive-yet-responsible regulatory environment, and extensive coastline, Newfoundland and Labrador is perfectly positioned to respond to further investment and this industry’s growing demand.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources
“Aquaculture is the fastest growing protein production industry in the world, a leader in environmental responsibility and sustainability. Our industry enables hard-working Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to do what they love doing in a place they love living. Our most important asset to growing our industry is its human resources. Through this initiative with the Provincial Government we will be positioned to succeed in providing additional year-round employment to dedicated farmers of the sea in rural coastal communities.”
Mark Lane
Executive Director, Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association
