June 21, 2026 to June 27, 2026

This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning fisheries, aquaculture, shellfish, and marine conservation. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to see GR activities in areas of the economy related to the Fisheries channel? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Environment and Agri-Food. Also consider subscribing to our Fisheries - Washington edition covering critical GR news south of the border.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇨🇦 Federal Government News
• 🗺️ Provincial Government News
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Northern Shrimp Fishery Reopens in Newfoundland and Labrador

On June 22, 2026, Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced the reopening of the commercial Northern shrimp fishery in Shrimp Fishing Area 7, off eastern Newfoundland and Labrador. The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, set a domestic Total Allowable Catch of 1,367 tonnes for the 2026-2027 season. This reopening follows over a decade-long closure after poor stock health prompted a moratorium in 2015. In 2025, Canada adopted a new stock assessment framework aligning assessment areas to biological distribution; the South Stock Assessment Region, including SFA 7, is now classified as 'Healthy.' Fisheries and Oceans Canada will conduct ongoing stock monitoring, maintaining a balance between economic activities and conservation. The initiative provides expanded economic opportunity for coastal communities while upholding requirements for continued sustainability.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CFIA Removes Over 150,000 kg of Misrepresented Food From Canadian Market

On June 25, 2026, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency released its Food Fraud Annual Report, documenting the removal of more than 150,000 kg of misrepresented food from Canadian commerce. Targeted testing covered diverse products, including fish, honey, meat, oils, grated hard cheese, tea, and fruit juice. Inspectors reviewed labels for accuracy and removed, destroyed, recalled, or relabelled non-compliant items. The report notes an expansion in net quantity verification for meat products this year. Enhanced sampling strategies aim at products susceptible to fraud. The next report, due in late 2026, will include results from reviews of in-store Canadian content claims.

Sources: www.canada.ca

National Food Security Strategy Announced With $3 Billion Funding

Corey Hogan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced the launch of Canada's National Food Security Strategy in Calgary on June 24, 2026. The initiative carries over $3 billion in investments spread across a decade. The strategy aims to boost productivity and innovation, reinforce independent grocers, and enhance food system competitiveness. It responds to Canada's reliance on foreign suppliers and intends to strengthen national control over domestic food production, distribution, and pricing. The goals include greater resilience and affordability for Canadian consumers amid global supply chain disruptions.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Strategic Response Fund Call for Proposals Opens for Food Supply Chain Investments

On June 22, 2026, Minister Mélanie Joly opened applications for the Strategic Response Fund (SRF), providing up to $350 million in support of Canada’s food supply chains and manufacturing. Individual projects may receive between $10 million and $50 million. The SRF, part of the National Food Security Strategy, is designed to expand capacity, modernize manufacturing, and build resilient infrastructure for food and beverage firms, industrial systems, and packaging sectors. Investments will target supply chain improvements, infrastructure upgrades, and technology advancements for processing, storage, and logistics.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Government Support Announced for Over 50 Quebec Biofood Sector Businesses

Minister Joël Lightbound is scheduled to announce funding for 52 businesses and organizations in Quebec’s biofood sector on June 25, 2026. Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions will administer this support, which aligns with the objectives of the National Food Security Strategy. The initiative aims to help these businesses navigate trade pressures, supply chain disruptions, and increased competitive challenges, with the expectation that this funding will enhance food sovereignty and boost economic activity in Quebec.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Nova Scotia Launches Seafood Sector Strategy

Nova Scotia introduced a three-year seafood industry strategy focused on growth, innovation, product diversification, efficiency, and collaboration. The plan includes a $1.5 million commitment for an Innovation Hub and $4 million over three years for expanded market funding.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Seafood Sector Strategy Launch in Nova Scotia

On June 24, Minister Kent Smith held a launch event at Sea Star Seafoods Ltd. in Shelburne County, outlining the new Nova Scotia Seafood Sector Strategy to enhance economic benefits and industry adaptability.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

British Columbia Establishes Compliance and Enforcement Agency for Natural Resource Sector

British Columbia will launch the BC Compliance and Enforcement Agency on July 1, 2026, consolidating functions from environmental and resource ministries to improve consistency and coordination in enforcement operations.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation on Famoxadone Proposed Re-evaluation Decision

Health Canada is conducting consultations on the continued registration of famoxadone and its associated end-use product, with proposed label updates. Input is open until June 29, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Nova Scotia’s new seafood strategy aims to address rising costs, labour shortages: Coverage of Nova Scotia’s efforts to tackle supply chain and workforce challenges in the seafood sector.
• N.S. government promises to 'remove barriers, reduce delays' with new seafood sector plan: Details on Nova Scotia’s plan to streamline approvals and expand opportunities in seafood.
• Nova Scotia launches three-year plan to expand its $2.2-billion seafood industry: Analysis of Nova Scotia’s industry expansion strategy.
• Nova Scotia launches three-year plan to expand its $2.2-billion seafood industry - Halifax: Industry perspectives on the value and impact of Nova Scotia’s seafood strategy.
• ‘Salami slicing’: How China is trying to increase control in the Pacific: Examination of geopolitical shifts impacting Pacific seafood trade routes.

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