May 22, 2009, BRIDGEWATER – Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament for South Shore – St. Margaret’s, is pleased with the Government’s $10 million funding announcement that will aid lobster fisherman on the South Shore. Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Gail Shea, made the announcement on behalf of Minister of State responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) Keith Ashfield.
 
"The promotion of lobsters will help all fishers, not just a few," Keddy said.
 
The Conservative government has allocated $10 million from the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) to improve marketing, assist in innovation, and develop products and technologies in the lobster industry. The funding will be provided from CAF, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) for the marketing and promotion of lobster.
 
"Lobster is Southwest Nova’s most lucrative fishing industry,” said Keddy. “I will continue to work with the lobster industry to ensure it is sustainable and continues to support the economies of coastal communities for generations to come.”
 
Keddy also wished to stress that the collaboration between the federal and provincial governments will help to develop a council to increase domestic and international market access and support the industry in reaching the eco-certification standards necessary to increase their global markets.
 
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans is taking action to support the lobster industry. This government, along with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, is working closely with industry and provinces through the Lobster Round Tables and the investment announced today.
 
“Increased marketing and promotion will help sustain the entire industry as a whole,” said Keddy.