Canada Minister of Fisheries Joanne Thompson said the country’s governments remain committed to the success of the seafood industry, and are working to improve trade relationships and renew the country’s fisheries fund to do so.
During a press conference at Seafood Expo North America (SENA) – running from 15 to 17 March, 2026 at the Thomas M. Menino Convention and Exhibition Center in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A. – Thompson said the government is committed to maintaining strong trade ties with the U.S.
“Canada and the United States have the world’s most extensive trading relationship, and this is a relationship that supports millions of jobs and contributes to longstanding prosperity in both countries,” Thompson said. “This economic relationship has supported coastal communities, strengthened supply chains, and brought high-quality fish and seafood to supermarkets and dinner plates on both sides of the shared border.”
Thompson said SENA is the perfect place to showcase the hard work that Canada’s seafood industry engages in, and a symbol of that trading relationship.
“This is a city we share a deep commerce with and friendship with, and it’s also the perfect place to showcase the hard work, the innovation, and sustainability that really defines our collective fish and seafood sector,” Thompson said.
She said that two-thirds of the trade value brought in by Canadian seafood in 2025 came from the U.S., and the country’s government is committed to improving that value and relationship – but that it also is working to diversify.
“While Canada works to strengthen our relationship with the United States, we will continue to look for ways to help our fish and seafood sector grow, prosper, and diversify,” Thompson said. “Diversifying our market is a priority for Canada, but let me be clear – we need to do this together, and when we do, when we work together, we have shown time and time again that we get results.”
Thompson said the country’s fisheries fund is a prime example of how collaboration can be a boon for the industry. The fisheries fund was created to support market entry, economic development, and the livelihoods of the country’s seafood sector and coastal communities.
“We know it drives economic prosperity; it spurs on innovation, and it promotes sustainability across the fish and seafood sector,” Thompson said.
She said the federal government is committed to a five-year renewal of that fund in order to continue supporting the fishing industry.
“I am committed to working with my provincial counterparts,” Thompson said.
Prince Edward Island Premier Rob Lantz said his province was also committed to supporting the seafood industry – which is a key part of the economy – and said SENA is a chance to show that work off to the world.
“This industry is built into industries that are iconic to our way of life and is our way of life,” Lantz said. “It is who we are, it is what we do, and we’re very proud to showcase it to the world here.”
