PCs pledge support for aquaculture to stimulate economic development, create up to 350 jobs: Goertzen
STONEWALL — The Manitoba PC Party is committed to making Manitoba a leader in aquaculture to create good, high-paying jobs, and economic activity in the Interlake, Kelvin Goertzen, PC candidate for Steinbach, announced today.
As part of that commitment, Goertzen said a re-elected PC government will invest in growing aquaculture fish farming, with the goal of increasing international exports and strengthening Manitoba’s agri-foods and fisheries industries. The move builds on the PCs’ strategic approach to stimulating other industries including critical minerals, transport trucking, restaurants, agriculture, and film and music, Goertzen said.
“Manitoba is on the cusp of great things. Industries are booming, companies are growing, new jobs are being created, and we see much more economic activity on the horizon,” Goertzen said. “Only the Manitoba PC Party is prepared to seize the great opportunities ahead to turn Manitoba from a ‘have not’ province into a ‘have’ province.”
Sapphire Springs Inc., which plans to produce high-quality Arctic Char to meet global demand for seafood, is in the construction phase of a $200-million project in the Rural Municipality of Rockwood. The project will create up to 350 new direct and spin-off jobs, and stimulate $306 million in economic activity.
The PCs pledge commits $20 million toward the expansion of aquaculture throughout Manitoba, in order to leverage further cost-sharing from the federal government.
“We’re proud to be part of this vibrant community and to help grow Manitoba into a global leader in aquaculture innovation,” said Rob McCarthy, Vice President, Business Development for Sapphire Springs Inc. “Our efforts aren’t just about building a good business, but creating a sustainable legacy for our province and planet.”
Trevor King, PC candidate for Lakeside, said investments like these will help secure hundreds of good full-time jobs for the Lakeside and the Interlake.
“Every time we can attract and grow new local industries to create jobs, we’re strengthening our communities,” King said. “I’m proud to stand with a party that actually understands economic development—both inside and outside of the Perimeter—and the diversification of Manitoba’s economy. We need good jobs to keep growing our economy across the province to pay for the services that we all rely on.”
The provincial election will be held on October 3, 2023.
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