ACFFA Calls on Federal Government to Renew and Enhance the Atlantic Fisheries Fund

Dear Prime Minister:

On behalf of the Board and members of the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA), I am writing in strong support of the Atlantic Premiers’ request on December 9, 2025 to renew and enhance the Atlantic Fisheries Fund (AFF), consistent with your election commitment to increase the fund by twenty per cent.

The AFF has been a practical, effective program which has supported critical R&D programs and infrastructure to enhance capacity and efficiency in our sector resulting in highly valued return on investments for Atlantic Canada. Since 2017, a federal investment of $295 million – matched by $126.5 million from Atlantic provinces – has helped fisheries and aquaculture businesses modernize, improve productivity, increase competitive advantage in a global supply sector, and expand into new markets which all support the Atlantic Growth Strategy by accelerating the growth of Atlantic Canada’s economy.  The Atlantic Provinces have also invested additional hundreds of millions in project funding, reflecting strong regional confidence in this sector. Ending the AFF in March 2026 would slow progress at a time when global demand for seafood is growing and trade uncertainty requires stable, competitive industries.

Renewing the AFF also supports the goals of the new Atlantic Economic Panel established by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. The panel is focused on improving productivity, attracting private investment, creating jobs, and building long-term economic growth. The AFF funding would be a catalyst in accelerating growth and unlocking transformational opportunities for Atlantic Canada, leading to continued growth in population, GDP, and tax base which support government programs and services. Atlantic Canada has an opportunity to build a stronger, more resilient economy while supporting traditional industries that matter deeply to our communities. Renewing and enhancing the Atlantic Fisheries Fund is a smart investment that will support the creation of new jobs, build innovation and strengthen Canada’s food security.

We urge the federal government to act now and renew funding at enhanced level of the AFF.

Sincerely,

Tom Taylor
Executive Director

Cc:   Honourable Joanne Thompson
Honourable Dominic LeBlanc
Honourable Sean Fraser