Ottawa supporting South Shore lobster businesses with over $2M in funding

The federal government is investing more than $2.1 million into lobster companies on Nova Scotia’s South Shore and in Shelburne County as part of efforts to help exporters modernize operations and respond to global trade pressures.

The funding was announced by South Shore–St. Margarets MP Jessica Fancy-Landry through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Regional Tariff Response Initiative.

The investments will support four lobster businesses as they expand production, diversify markets and modernize operations.

The largest project involves a $750,000 non-repayable contribution to Hailmar Fisheries Limited in Osborne Harbour. The company plans to expand live lobster and frozen storage capacity while also growing into new product lines and markets.

Atlantic Coast Live Lobster Incorporated in North East Point will receive $700,000 to help diversify and expand markets while adding solar panels to reduce operating costs and extend operating seasons.

Another $650,000 is going to Fishermen’s Premium Atlantic Lobster Incorporated for a global marketing and product diversification strategy focused on premium frozen seafood products.

Meanwhile, Xsealent Seafood Company in Clark’s Harbour will receive $50,000 to help pursue new market opportunities.

The federal government says the projects are expected to create jobs while helping Nova Scotia seafood exporters remain competitive in evolving international markets.

“When people think of Nova Scotia’s South Shore, they think lobster,” Fancy-Landry said in a release. “The Government of Canada is helping our lobster businesses boost productivity, cut costs, add solar energy to their operations, build more resilient supply chains, reach new markets and develop new products.”

The funding is being delivered through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, a national program aimed at helping businesses respond to trade pressures and strengthen long-term competitiveness.