QUESTION PERIOD — Fisheries and Oceans
Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program
June 11, 2024
My question is for the Government Representative in the Senate. Senator Gold, back in May 2023, more than 200 leaders in aquaculture and fisheries came together in Ottawa with a shared ambition to grow Canada’s ocean economy to $220 billion by 2035. This initiative — called Ambition 2035 — was informed by the blue economy joint vision by the Fisheries Council of Canada and the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance.
Senator Gold, how is the federal government supporting this initiative?
Thank you for your question. Our oceans are important in so many ways to our country and to our economy. They have the potential, as we know, to be part of climate solutions. They absorb more carbon than all rainforests combined, create opportunities for coastal and inland communities and contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous blue economy. The government will continue to support the development of new technologies and enhance innovation across the blue economy to help propel growth.
Recently, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard announced over $3.5 million in funding for 18 initiatives under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program. This will support small-sized and medium-sized businesses in their efforts to incorporate new, innovative and clean technologies in their business operations.
