March 12, 2026

Ms. Rhonda Tulk-Lane
President and Chief Executive Officer
Atlantic Chamber of Commerce

Dear Ms. Tulk-Lane,

Thank you for your correspondence of January 6, 2026, highlighting the importance of the Atlantic Fisheries Fund (AFF) to businesses and livelihoods across Atlantic Canada.

I value your comments on the role of the AFF in supporting innovation, productivity, and sustainability in the industry which supports employment and opportunities for coastal communities. Since 2017, the AFF has provided support to over 1,300 projects across the Atlantic provinces, valued at over $368 million. My department recognizes the benefits that this program has provided to Atlantic fisheries.

As you may be aware, the Government has announced that it intends to renew the three Fisheries Funds in their respective regions. My department will begin initial discussions on renewing and revitalizing the Funds shortly with implicated provinces, to continue as equal partners through our federal-provincial program. We recognize the importance of renewing the Fund in a timely manner in order to maintain momentum and avoid delays in industry access to support.

The Government has also made key investments through Budget 2025 focused on building a resilient, inclusive, and competitive Canadian economy, and is committed to continuing to help Canada’s fish and seafood sector transition to meet growing market demands. In particular, the Regional Tariff Response Initiative provides $80 million over three years to support small and medium-sized enterprises in Atlantic Canada that are impacted by tariffs. Budget 2025 also included $75 million in funding over three years for the AgriMarketing Program to enhance the promotion of fish and seafood products in new markets. It is important that the Funds complement this new programming to meet the challenges we face today.

We will continue standing up for our fish and seafood sector in this time of global uncertainty. We stand with Canadian workers and communities that rely on our oceans, rivers, and lakes for their livelihoods and way of life.
I thank you again for your views as we build a brighter future for our industry.

Yours sincerely,
The Honourable Joanne Thompson, P.C., M.P.

c.c.: The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., K.C., M.P.
Minister of Internal Trade

The Honourable Sean Fraser, P.C., M.P.
Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency