The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture:

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to highlight assistance provided through the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture’s Seafood Development Program to help support the recent launch of ‘Waspu’ – a new Indigenous brand seal oil capsule developed by the Qalipu First Nation – Waspu is the Mi’kmaq word for seal.

Funding of up to $25,000 will be provided to the Qalipu Development Corporation to help launch the Waspu brand into the domestic market by supporting the development of social media, a website and marketing materials.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to commend the leadership of Qalipu First Nation for recognizing opportunities that exist in our commercial seal fishery and pursuing the development of an Indigenous-branded seal oil capsule.

The Provincial Government is pleased to support such an initiative that not only helps promote the health benefits associated with our seafood resources but one which also sends a clear signal that the seal fishery remains active and an important component of the fishing industry here in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Qalipu Development Corporation has partnered with Newfoundland-based retail grocery chain Colemans to carry the product where it is hoped it will be welcomed by consumers here locally and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, opportunities to access new quotas of valuable fish species adjacent to our shores are anticipated in the near future. We look forward to continuing our advocacy on behalf of Indigenous communities and indeed all those living in our coastal communities to ensure rightful and fair access to future quota allocations is recognized.

Thank you.