Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced $62.5 million on Saturday for Canada’s fish and seafood sector amid mounting concerns over the state of the country’s food supply.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says that new funds for Canada’s fish and seafood processors will help them adapt to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. 0:58
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced $62.5 million for Canada’s fish and seafood sector amid mounting concerns over the state of the country’s food supply.
Seafood processors, fisheries and harvesters are worried about whether they’ll have the labour they need — including enough temporary foreign workers — to fill out their workforce, while others have called for delays to the spring season as they work to establish proper safety protocols.
The prime minister said the funds will go toward protecting workers and putting in place recommended health guidelines within the industry.
“We’re giving more money to processors so they can purchase personal protective equipment for workers, adapt to health protocols and support other social distancing measures,” Trudeau said. “For example, fish processing plants could buy new equipment, like freezers or storage space, so that their product — food for Canadians — can stay good while they respond to a changing market.”
Encouraging but not enough, union leader says
Keith Sullivan, president of Fish, Food