Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, has released the following statement after the annual meeting of the Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers (CCFAM) in Iqaluit, Nunavut, on August 28 and 29, 2025:

“This week, I met with my federal, provincial and territorial counterparts to discuss advancing trade and competitiveness of Canadian fish and seafood products, supporting sustainable growth in fisheries and aquaculture, preventing illegal fishing activities and preventing the spread of alien invasive species.   

“A national platform like CCFAM is an important opportunity to work on common issues and priorities collaboratively. It’s my honour to become co-chair for the council in the coming year.

“The fisheries and seafood sector is a significant contributor to Canada’s economy, supporting good jobs for many coastal and First Nations communities. By working together, we can support strong coastal economies, healthy marine ecosystems, community well-being and resilience to climate change.

“In addition to the national discussions, I was able to raise many of British Columbia’s priorities, including support for timely permitting of major projects while ensuring protection of salmon and watersheds, federal financial support for invasive mussel defence, support for wild salmon recovery and renegotiation of the Pacific Salmon Treaty, and clarity on the aquaculture open-net-pen transition plan, including supports for communities and workers.    

“CCFAM is the primary engagement forum between federal, provincial and territorial governments addressing fisheries and aquaculture issues of national importance. Its mandate is to promote co-operation in freshwater and marine fisheries and aquaculture issues and provide a forum to establish and meet common goals. I will keep working with my federal, provincial and territorial colleagues and representatives, and honouring this legacy.

“I look forward to taking on the rotating provincial and territorial co-chair role and to hosting CCFAM ministers and delegates at our 2026 meeting in beautiful British Columbia.”