Feds feed Nova Scotia seafood industry with $800K investment

PETIT-DE-GRAT, N.S.—The government of Canada is investing $801,215 in two east coast business initiatives.

Aimed at supporting Nova Scotia’s fish and seafood exporting industry, the federal government plans to direct $500,000 toward a NovaCan Live Seafood technology project, as well as $301,215 toward a Université Sainte-Anne business development program.

“The seafood industry is a key economic driver here on Cape Breton Island, particularly for our rural communities,” said Rodger Cuzner, MP and parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour and Member of Parliament. “The federal investments announced today will work to support research and development initiatives to ensure our workers are ready and our products are of the highest quality as we export them to tables around the world.”

The half-million-dollar investment in NovaCan Live Seafood will support the roll-out of a new technology the company has developed for storing live snow crab for extended periods of time—something that will allow for greater exports by opening up distant markets. Following years of company research, the funds will contribute to building a new facility capable of storing up to 150,000 pounds of live crab.

Meanwhile, the federal government’s investment in the Université Sainte-Anne’s Marine Research Center will allow the school to develop a mobile seafood processing unit. The unit is expected to serve both as a training facility and as a resource for the local fishing industry, allowing students to transition seamlessly into the workforce.