A new freshwater fish processing plant is coming to the North.
The GNWT has just made a deal with the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation to operate within the NWT, and to construct a new processing plant in the Town of Hay River. This three year agreement will provide an opportunity for workers to learn how to process fish in a more modern facility. the GNWT will also be working with the NWT Commercial Fishing Industry to help increase fish production from Great Slave Lake.
The GNWT is hoping that this will lead to a revitalized fishing sector in the North, which will then lead to greater returns for NWT fishers, opportunities for new fishers, increased food security and new products and jobs for the NWT particularly in Hay River.
Caroline Wawzonek, the Minister of Industry, Tourism, and Investment, said in a statement;
“Our strategy to first restore the Great Slave Lake Fishing industry will put us on a path to realize its growth and prosperity. It will require significant commitment and investment from all participants and stakeholders, but in time, the Hay River processing plant will support the sustainability of the sector, improve the livelihoods of fishermen in the NWT, and increase local food production, and economic value for the NWT.”
FFMC is a Crown corporation established in 1969 that purchases, processes and markets freshwater fish products across Canada and around the world. FFMC is partnering with the GNWT to expanded fish processing capability and strengthen local capacity to operate the plant.
The plant will be in operation for the 2023 open water season. A formal opening event is being planned for July.
