Ottawa, Ontario - Government of Canada
Canada ends process to issue fourth Arctic surf clam licence as goal of increasing Indigenous access achieved.
In August 2018, Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced plans to launch a new Expression of Interest process to identify a fourth licence holder for the Arctic surf clam fishery, with the goal of increasing Indigenous access. The sale of Clearwater Seafoods Limited Partnership to a coalition of seven Mi'kmaq First Nations and Premium Brands Inc. resulted in the re-issuance of the three existing Arctic surf clam licences in 2021 to First Nations Coalition Quota Limited Partnership, a company wholly-owned by the Mi'kmaq coalition.
In light of the Clearwater sale, which expanded Indigenous access to the fishery, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Joyce Murray, today announced her decision to end the planned Expression of Interest and to halt the process to create a fourth licence.
Today's licencing decision provides long-term certainty to communities involved in the Arctic surf clam fishery, and ensures that the significant economic benefits of this fishery continue to flow to Indigenous communities.
The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that Indigenous peoples are partners and beneficiaries of the ocean economy.
