1.2.4

Description: 
We will finalize and implement the Commercial Fisheries Revitalization Strategy to increase fish production, encourage and mentor new entrants to the Great Slave Lake fishery, secure and build access to local and new markets for fishers, build a new fish processing plant in Hay River, and work with the Tu Cho Co-operative to promote and market fish caught in Great Slave Lake.
Lead Dept: 
ITI
Priority: 
1.2
Status: 
Fulfilled
Restructured COC: 
Economy and Environment
Number: 
4
Deputy Minister Committee: 
Economy and Environment
Background Information: 

ECONOMY, ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Commitment 1.2.4

We will finalize and implement the Commercial Fisheries Revitalization Strategy to increase fish production, encourage and mentor new entrants to the Great Slave Lake fishery, negotiate an agreement with the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation to access markets outside of NWT, seek federal funding to build a new fish processing plant in Hay River, and work with the Tu Cho Co-Operative to promote and market fish caught in Great Slave Lake.

Commercial Fisheries Revitalization Strategy

The need to revitalize the NWT’s commercial fishing sector was first identified in the 2013 NWT Economic Opportunities Strategy which recommended that the commercial fishing industry be revitalized to give greater benefit and opportunity to northerners.

The Strategy for Revitalizing the Great Slave Lake Fishery was tabled in the Legislative Assembly on March 2, 2017 (milestone 2).

The Government of the Northwest Territories has made a $1.41 million investment to build a new fish processing plant in Hay River.  Building of the plant is expected to begin by the fall of 2018 (milestones 4 and 5).

The Strategy, as developed, relies on the existence of the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation.  We are monitoring the situation regarding its future closely and advocating for the best interests of NWT fishers.

The Strategy is reliant on the re-establishment of a full processing plant in Hay River and enhanced collection points in Yellowknife and Fort Resolution.  Discussions have been held with Fisheries and Oceans Canada on establishing a collection point in Yellowknife (milestone 6).

Related Mandate Commitments

  • Commitment 1.2.9 - We will attract foreign direct investment, and cross-promote minerals, furs, fish, forest products, and tourism to investors and markets.
  • Commitment 4.3.5 - We will reduce the burden of chronic disease by promoting healthy lifestyles and improving screening and management, with specific focus on:
    • Expanding the production and availability of local foods such as fish, country food, and garden produce.