Statement on federal-provincial collaboration related to impacts of COVID-19

Ottawa, ON - During these unprecedented times, it is more important than ever that we work across all levels of Government to ensure Canadians are safe and local economies are supported. Today, provincial Fisheries and Aquaculture ministers from across Eastern Canada joined me for a call to discuss the rapidly evolving impacts of the COVID-19 on the industry in Quebec, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

We discussed trade concerns and downturns in the fish and seafood sector which have been caused by a dramatic drop in export demand. We spoke about the Prime Minister's recent announcements of economic measures including new Employment Insurance benefits, income replacement, and increased access to credit for small businesses. We addressed potential temporary foreign worker shortages, and how this issue is actively being explored at the federal level. And we committed to regular calls and information sharing, so decisions can be made with the most accurate and available information.

Seasonal opening and closing decisions will continue to be based on good fisheries management principles. Rest assured, we are all determined to provide the hardworking women and men in our fisheries and aquaculture sector with the support needed to continue in this resilient industry for generations to come.

Thank you to my colleagues, ministers André Lamontagne from Quebec, Ross Wetmore from New Brunswick, Gerry Byrne from Newfoundland and Labrador, Keith Colwell from Nova Scotia, and Jamie Fox from Prince Edward Island, and Minister Lana Popham, my counterpart in British Columbia with whom I spoke with earlier this week. We will all work together to ensure that the fisheries and aquaculture sectors remain a sustainable way of life for the rural, coastal and Indigenous communities that rely upon them.

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