Question Period Note: Support for Canadian Seafood Exports related to decreased demand caused by the pandemic

Nova Scotia seafood exports fell by $300m in 2020 as the pandemic collapsed worldwide demand in restaurants and other food service businesses. Live lobster exports in particular fell by 13% in 2020.

• COVID-19 has had a significant impact on Canadian exporters, including seafood harvesters and farmers.
• The widespread travel restrictions and international border closures that were put in place to halt the spread of the virus have led to a dramatic drop in many seafood prices, which has significantly impacted Atlantic Canada's economy.
• The Government of Canada has been supporting seafood exporters throughout the pandemic through funding and support programs along with tailored advice to address market access issues.
• By bolstering Canada's seafood sector, the Government of Canada has helped position the national economy for strong, post pandemic recovery. In the first quarter of 2021, Canadian live lobster exports increased 20.9% compared to 2020.
• Our government will continue to monitor the impacts of Covid-19 on Canadian seafood exporters and to work with international partners while looking at opportunities to develop markets closer to home.

Covid-19 significantly impacted Canada's seafood industry. In 2020, Nova Scotia seafood exports fell by $300m as worldwide demand collapsed in restaurants and other food service businesses. Live lobster exports in particular fell by $125m, compared to 2019 - data released by News by Nova Scotia's Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture.
To offset losses due to the pandemic, Canada has provided $62.5m in funding to the seafood-processing sector through the Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund (CSSF). In Atlantic Canada, this program is managed by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
Global Affairs Canada (GAC), Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) work closely to address market access issues and to support the sector through programing.
GAC has continuously supported the seafood industry through CanExport for businesses (SMEs). From May 2020 to May 2021, CanExport SMEs has approved funding for 100 agri-food projects, including seafood, totalling $3.4m. The Trade Commissioner Service has 17 full-time employees supporting Canadian seafood exporters in 43 missions.
AAFC's Agri-Marketing Program, in partnership with provinces and trade commissioners, supports the seafood sector by funding in-market promotional and networking events, through targeted market intelligence reports, and by organizing Canadian flagship food trade shows in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Canada supports the sector through initiatives such as the Blue Economy Strategy, delivered by DFO, with goals of job creation, inclusiveness and environmental conservation.
Canada is helping position its economy for a strong, post-pandemic recovery by bolstering the seafood processing sector. The first quarter of 2021 saw Canadian live lobster exports increase 20.9% compared to the year before; Nova Scotia exported 250 million kgs from Jan to March 2021, up 28% over the same period in 2020.
Canada's ocean industries contribute approximately $31.7 billion to Canada's GDP every year. By investing in the fish and seafood-processing sector at this critical time, the Government of Canada is paving the way for a resilient future blue economy.

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