The Association of Seafood Producers (ASP) congratulates the Honourable Joyce Murray, newly appointed Minister of Fisheries and Oceans in the federal government.
“We look forward to working together with Minister Murray to address both the opportunities and the challenges, as well as celebrate the successes of the industry,” says Derek Butler, Executive Director, Association of Seafood Producers. “The seafood processing sector is key to many rural communities in our country, and makes a significant contribution to the national economy.”
Butler says ASP member-producers employ over 5,000 people from more than 400 communities in the province.
“Member-producers have invested over $150 million in the past five years to ensure economic opportunity in rural communities for years to come, in the places we call home and are committed to,” says Butler.
ASP also congratulates the Honourable Seamus O’Regan, newly appointed Minister of Labour, and the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, newly appointed Minister of Rural Economic Development.
“We are pleased to have Minister O’Regan in this very important portfolio, as we wrestle with labour challenges in our sector, and look forward to engaging with him on this. Minister Hutchings’ appointment goes hand in hand with that same challenge, because our continued contribution to rural economies is in question if we do not have the required labour,” adds Butler.