— April 7, 2020 —
Salmon farmers are important contributors to the food supply chain, and it’s critical that they are able to maintain their ability to operate and help fill grocery store shelves during the COVID-19 pandemic. We thank the federal government for following the lead of Atlantic Canadian provinces by designating fish and seafood industries as essential services and for making numerous support programs available to seafood companies.
Atlantic Canadian salmon farmers produce about 50 per cent of Canada’s farmed salmon – more than 300 million meals annually. Atlantic salmon is the second largest agriculture-based export in Atlantic Canada.
Our essential workers and companies will now be able to access crucial wage supports and other programs as they navigate this uncertain time. Continued operations of our companies will help secure the livelihoods of about 4,000 workers, mainly in coastal communities.
Companies are doing their very best to stay on top of the evolving COVID situation and are taking action to take care of their staff, families and communities while continuing to operate.
We thank the thousands of people working in the salmon farming industry across Atlantic Canada for their continued efforts to help secure our food supply during this pandemic.
