Eastern Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers Meet to Discuss Critical Issues
Key topics discussed during the meeting included renewal of funding programs, support for the eastern Canadian aquaculture sector, enforcement and unauthorized fishing activities, marine conservation, delivery of the Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program, MSX and Dermo impacts, improved science in decision making, and small craft harbours.
The Ministers emphasized the need for improved federal-provincial communication and collaboration to effectively address the challenges and opportunities in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. They were encouraged by the discussions and agreed that a collaborative approach going forward is necessary to address the complex and interrelated challenges facing the eastern Canadian fisheries and aquaculture sectors. Minister Thompson recognized provincial jurisdictional authority over aquaculture in Eastern Canada and commitment for a sustainably managed aquaculture industry, and also agreed to work with the provinces on identifying priorities for small craft harbours.
The Ministers discussed renewal of the Atlantic Fisheries Fund (AFF) and the Quebec Fisheries Fund (QFF), including support to industry market diversification efforts in light of shifting economic realities. They reflected on the success of the fisheries funds and committed to continued cooperation in supporting the seafood sector, providing much-needed advances in infrastructure, research, and innovation.
The Ministers agreed to formalize the forum in order to more effectively support the important seafood sector. Further discussions on this topic will be crucial in addressing issues facing industry across eastern Canada.
Quotes
"The meeting of the Eastern Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers was productive, and I'm optimistic about our commitment to ongoing collaboration to support sector sustainability, growth and diversification by addressing key priorities like renewing the AFF and QFF programs, supporting provincial aquaculture mandates, addressing industry challenges like MSX and Dermo and by increasing enforcement efforts to stop illegal fishing activities."
The Honourable Kent Smith, Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister for Nova Scotia, provincial co-chair of EFAM
"Our fisheries are the backbone of our rural and coastal communities, supporting families and driving prosperity. I greatly value the perspectives of my Eastern counterparts and this forum, where we found opportunities to collaborate more closely on our common goals. Together, with my colleagues we will support strong fisheries and aquaculture in eastern Canada."
The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, federal co-chair of EFAM
SOURCE Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers' Meetings
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FP Wealth Report: Here's a breakdown of how household wealth is distributed and which provinces are in the lead Canadian household wealth surged to a new collective high of $17.6 trillion in the first quarter of 2025, according to data from Statistics Canada. Photo by Gigi Suhanic/Financial Post Canadian household wealth surged to a new collective high of $17.6 trillion in the first quarter of 2025, according to data from Statistics Canada. But this growth isn't distributed evenly across the board, with some provinces racing ahead of others thanks to a combination of factors such as migration, housing affordability and the job market. Other regions are grappling with cost-of-living pressures and high debt, most keenly felt by its youngest and lowest-income residents. The Financial Post's Serah Louis breaks down how household wealth is distributed across the country — and which provinces are in the lead. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors B.C. households were worth $1.26 million on average, a slight advantage over Ontario households, which were worth $1.22 million on average in the first quarter of 2025. 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Saskatchewan households were just slightly behind in wealth gains, at 4.15 per cent, hitting $885,350 per household. Alberta households were next, with their average net worth climbing 3.76 per cent to reach $978,790 per household. Gauthier said there has been a massive inflow of people migrating to the Prairies, either from other countries or through interprovincial migration. 'It seems to be because the oil and gas sector has been expanding, and so (the job market has) been a draw for those households,' he said. '(And) the housing markets (in the Prairies) tend to be less expensive there relative to Ontario and B.C.' A May report from the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) revealed the Prairie provinces drove over a third of the national growth in 2024, buoyed by 'continued in-migration and solid commodity markets' (with the exception of Manitoba). This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 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This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Across Canada, real estate holdings dipped by an average 1.44 per cent to $513,887 per household in the second quarter of 2025 compared with the same period last year, slightly dragging net worth growth down (though this was offset by the steady rise of financial assets). Kemeny said this is due to the slump in real estate values. According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), national home sales plunged 20 per cent year-over-year in March 2025 following declines in the previous three months as well. The average sale price was down 3.7 per cent, backed by softening prices in British Columbia and Ontario in particular. In British Columbia, where the average real estate holding is $774,649 (the highest nationally), Gauthier said this likely comes down to affordability pressures: Few people can afford to purchase a home in an expensive province. 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