Fisheries Minister Gerry Byrne says he had a productive meeting with industry stakeholders as they try to figure out the best way forward in regards to the threat of tariffs from the United States.
Byrne met virtually with about 25 people Wednesday morning, including the FFAW, ASP, and people from the aquaculture industry.
Byrne says “specific plans and investigations” will come from the meeting, and they will be working with the federal government—including crown corporations, and financial institutions on innovative ideas that they can use.
In terms of concrete actions, Byrne says there are a few to come out of the meeting.
Minister Gerry Byrne
He says financing and export insurance are “critical issues” for the industry, noting that it is a “multi-million dollar” sector that happens in a very short period of time.
He says Ottawa has programs in that area, and they will be looking for support in that regard as they look for new markets.
For example, he says the Export Development Corporation of Canada offers export financing and insurance, and as they examine new markets that organization will need to be flexible.
Byrne says they will also be looking at Canadian marketplace receivable insurance, and addressing cashflow issues.
As well, they will be taking a look at the existing Canadian market.
He says new buyers and species that would not normally have been part of the Canadian market place need to be explored.
