Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
Fisheries and Aquaculture
September 2, 2015

Seizing Economic Growth and Diversification Opportunities

Provincial Government Continues Investment in Growing Aquaculture Industry

The Provincial Government is investing $1.5 million in economic infrastructure and an expanding aquaculture industry on the south coast which will see the refurbishment of the Harbour Breton wharf and the introduction of new technology at the fish plant. This investment will allow the plant to reopen this fall, creating approximately 100 jobs.

"The Provincial Government is committed to identifying and capitalizing on growth opportunities that diversify the economy, create wealth, and contribute to sustainable employment. This investment is an example of a partnership between the Provincial Government, a municipality and business that will reinforce economic growth and opportunities and benefit local residents and the province as a whole."
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development, made the announcement in Harbour Breton last night, where he was joined by Tracey Perry, MHA for Fortune Bay - Cape La Hune; Roy Drake, Mayor of Harbour Breton; and Troy Hunt of Barry Group International. As part of the $1.5 million investment:

• $1 million will support the Town of Harbour Breton to refurbish the wharf adjacent to the fish plant;
• $500,000 will enable 54417 Newfoundland and Labrador Co. Ltd., managed by Barry Group International, to purchase pre-rigor processing technology for the plant. This is the first time this technology will be employed in the province and it will assist in producing product of the freshest and highest quality. The company is contributing $3.5 million to this project.

"Through the support of strategic and innovative initiatives, we are helping to ensure our province's seafood industry continues to be a major economic contributor to the provincial economy particularly in rural regions. Support for new processing technology is in line with our government's goals of further diversifying the seafood industry, energizing rural economies, and furthering sustainability in the aquaculture sector."
- The Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture

Salmon from Northern Harvest Sea Farms in St. Alban's will be processed at the plant. The ability to have fish processed in Harbour Breton is critical to Northern Harvest Sea Farms expansion plans. As announced in May, the company is receiving $8.15 million from the Provincial Government toward a $17.6 million expansion of its operations, which is expected to increase employment from 145 full-time equivalent positions to 180.

"Aquaculture is growing in leaps and bounds in the Coast of Bays. Today's announcement is very exciting as we will re-open a third processing plant in the region, ensuring our sustainability for decades to come".
- Tracey Perry, MHA for Fortune Bay - Cape La Hune

The economic impact of this development will benefit the entire region, resulting in an increase of approximately $55 million in Provincial Gross Domestic Product, 772 person years of employment and an additional $30 million in wages, salaries and benefits over the next 10 years.

"On behalf of the residents of the Town of Harbour Breton, I would like to thank the Provincial Government for their continued commitment to the aquaculture industry. In particular, recognizing how important our town is to the success and growth of the industry for our province. This funding announcement helps secure a future of growth for the entire Coast of Bays region."
- Roy Drake, Mayor of Harbour Breton

Through its funding programs, the Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development assists small and medium-sized enterprises increase productivity and improve competitiveness, as well as provides support to organizations to develop and implement economic initiatives. Visit www.btcrd.gov.nl.ca for more information.

Helping communities stabilize and grow their population through economic development opportunities is a key element of Live Here, Work Here, Belong Here, A Population Growth Strategy for Newfoundland and Labrador, 2015-2025 . The strategy will ensure investments and programs are aligned to encourage individuals to choose Newfoundland and Labrador to live, work and raise a family. For more information visit www.homeforgoodnl.ca

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government is investing $1.5 million in economic infrastructure and an expanding aquaculture industry in Harbor Breton.
• This investment will enable the Town of Harbour Breton to refurbish the wharf adjacent to the fish plant, a significant piece of regional infrastructure.
• The investment will also support the purchase of pre-rigor processing technology. This is the first time this technology will be used in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• The fish processing company is contributing $3.5 million to the project, which will enable the plant to process the highest quality salmon product from farm sites in the region.

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Media contacts:

Tansy Mundon Director of Communications Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 693-1865 tansymundon@gov.nl.ca	Roger Scaplen Director of Communications Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture 709-729-3733, 697-5267 rogerscaplen@gov.nl.ca
Carolyn Collier Constituency Assistant to Tracey Perry MHA for Fortune Bay - Cape La Hune 709-538-3112 traceyperry@gov.nl.ca	Roy Drake Mayor of Harbour Breton 709-885-2885

2015 09 02                              9:15 a.m.