News Release

SAINT ANDREWS (GNB) – Federal, provincial and territorial fisheries and aquaculture ministers are gathering in Saint Andrews on June 21-22 for a meeting of the Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers.

“I am thrilled to host my federal, provincial and territorial counterparts in beautiful Saint Andrews,” said Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister Rick Doucet. “It is a wonderful opportunity for us to collaborate and network, and also to show just how important the fisheries and aquaculture sectors are to the provincial and local economy.”

Doucet will co-chair the meeting with the federal Fisheries, Oceans and Canadian Coast Guard Minister Dominic LeBlanc.

The ministers will discuss a broad range of fisheries and aquaculture issues, including food safety, sustainable aquaculture development, job creation and trade opportunities.

“Every member of the council shares a common goal – creating jobs and growing our industries,” said Doucet. “Collaboration between jurisdictions is essential in us achieving that goal.”

Doucet said he will use the meeting as an opportunity to reinforce the economic value and significance of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. The industries create considerable employment opportunities in New Brunswick, particularly in rural and coastal regions.

“We have a valuable commodity here in New Brunswick, with an export value of more than $1 billion annually,” he said. “The council meeting in Saint Andrews will show the rest of Canada that New Brunswick is a leader in opening new markets and seeking new opportunities for growth.”