Ontario's fisheries and aquaculture industries receive federal and provincial funding to adopt clean technology solutions

OTTAWA, April 4, 2018 /CNW/ - The adoption of clean technology and innovation are key components to stronger and greener fisheries and aquaculture industries in Canada. Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and the Honourable Jeff Leal, Minister Responsible for Small Business for the province of Ontario, announced over $1.5 million in funding to support clean economic growth for Ontario businesses.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada's Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program, contributed over $1 million in funding towards Cole-Munro Foods Groups and Lyndon Fish Hatcheries' projects. The Government of Ontario is investing over $570,000 towards Cole-Munro's project through the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund.

Cole-Munro Foods Groups is investing in replacing on-site refrigeration trucks with new refrigeration storage facilities that will reduce CO2 emissions by up to 175.2 tons per year. A facility expansion will increase the total processing space by 27,000 square feet, increasing capacity and creating 60 new jobs and supporting 40 existing positions. The funding will also allow for the production of additional and new higher-value cuts of fish and improved use of non-consumable parts of the fish to produce additional byproducts.

Lyndon Fish Hatcheries will benefit from installing water turbines to capture natural water flows, improving oxygen levels in the hatchery tanks and reducing the overall energy requirements.

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program will provide up to $20 million over four years. The program will help Canada's fisheries and aquaculture industries incorporate existing clean technologies into their day-to-day operations. Adopting the use of more sustainable and efficient tools, practices and techniques will reduce the potential environmental impact of their activities.

Since 2013, the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund has committed support of over $180 million, helping to create and retain around 43,000 jobs and leveraging over $1.97 billion in total investments.

Parties interested in applying for funding can do so through the DFO website at: www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/business-entreprises/factap-application-patppa-eng.htm.

Find out if your business qualifies for the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund.

Quotes

"Canada's fisheries and aquaculture industries know the importance of environmental stewardship for the sustainability of our inland waters. We're pleased that through this program, Fisheries and Oceans Canada is able to help these businesses decrease their environmental impact."
The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., Q.C., M.P.,
Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

"We are partnering with Cole-Munro to invest in clean technologies that ensure our fisheries and aquaculture industries are environmentally sustainable, efficient and well-positioned for growth. Our strategic investments in key industries are part of our commitment to create good jobs and drive economic growth in southwestern Ontario."
The Honourable Jeff Leal, Minister Responsible for Small Business,
Government of Ontario

Quick Facts

• Cole Munro Foods Groups Inc. received $1 million over two years to improve energy savings from Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
• Ontario is investing $576,212 in Cole-Munro Foods Groups from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund supporting an additional investment of $4,816,080 from the company.
• Lyndon Fish Hatcheries received $22,000 to improve energy savings and increase oxygen levels in the hatchery tanks from Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced the Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program on December 18, 2017.
• The program will provide up to $20 million over four years (2017-2021) to help Canada's fisheries and aquaculture industries incorporate existing clean technologies into their day-to-day operations.
• The Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program is part of a commitment in Budget 2016 of over $1 billion to support clean technology in Canada's natural resource sectors.

Associated Links

• Apply to the Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program
• NRCAN website on clean tech
• Southwestern Ontario Development Fund

SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada