News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial and federal governments are investing more than $1 million in McGraw Seafood (2008) Inc., a processing facility in Tracadie owned by Elsipogtog First Nation.

The funding will help the company add the equipment required to achieve the highest level of certification from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and to improve productivity.

“The fish and seafood industry continues to be an important economic driver for our province,” said Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister Margaret Johnson. “I am pleased we can help the company earn this certification, which will acknowledge their outstanding processing practices which, in turn, assures consumers their products are safe and of the highest quality.”

In 2021, the company completed a major expansion and modernization of its processing facility which allowed it to obtain an intermediate BRC certification. It had been supported by a previous investment of $3.5 million from the Atlantic Fisheries Fund. This latest project will bring the last incremental investments required to help attain full certification. It will also enhance productivity in areas where significant labour is required to handle raw and finished products.

“I am very pleased to see this investment in a company owned by Elsipogtog First Nation that will drive economic growth in the community,” said Aboriginal Affairs Minister Arlene Dunn. “Strong First Nation communities play an important role in building a prosperous New Brunswick and we are proud to work alongside Elsipogtog.”

“McGraw Seafood (2008) Inc. is an excellent example of what can be accomplished when people and governments work together towards a shared goal,” said federal Fisheries, Oceans and Canadian Coast Guard Minister Joyce Murray. “The economic spin-offs associated with this processing plant are benefitting approximately 200 workers, another 150 Indigenous fish harvesters who sell their catch directly to the plant, the Elsipogtog First Nation and, of course, the broader community.”

The Atlantic Fisheries Fund aims to help Canada’s seafood sector transition to meet growing market demands for products that are high quality, value-added, and sustainably sourced.