Supporting New Brunswick’s oyster industry
Press Release
From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
June 12, 2026 · Shediac, New Brunswick · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Atlantic Canada’s oyster industry has been hit hard over the last several years with major setbacks, including the arrival of two oyster diseases. Throughout, the Government of Canada has worked with oyster growers, harvesters, processors, other industry members, Indigenous communities and provincial governments to address these challenges.
A healthy, vibrant shellfish industry is vital to Atlantic Canadian communities, the regional economy and local culture. That is why the Government of Canada is expanding its supports to aquaculture operators and wild oyster harvesters in New Brunswick.
Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy, announced up to $4.6 million in non-repayable support over three years to the Community Business Development Corporation Kent (CBDC Kent), which provides potential and existing entrepreneurs living in rural communities with access to capital and other business resources. This funding will help New Brunswick growers who have been impacted by MSX and Dermo diseases cover the cost of disease-resistant oyster seed and rebuild future harvests.
Today’s announcement is in addition to previously announced federal support, including:
1. A one-time license buy-back for wild oyster harvesters. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is dedicating up to $6 million to support wild harvesters who choose to participate in this program. DFO will engage with the wild oyster industry and licence holders to craft program details.
2. An investment of $130,000 to develop a comprehensive strategy for Atlantic Canada’s oyster industry in response to the growing threat of MSX and Dermo diseases, focused on disease management, supply, markets, processing, jobs, training, and practical options for affected workers and businesses.
3. A Customer Support Program (CSP) for the oyster sector launched by Farm Credit Canada (FCC). FCC will work with customers to come up with solutions for their operations, including options to adjust loan payment schedules and reduce short-term financial pressures.
These investments help fill a critical and immediate need as the industry recovers and address key steps for longterm sustainability. The Government of Canada remains commited to building resilience and innovation in traditional industries to create an economy that works for all Canadians.
The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
Quotes
”We recognize the impact these diseases have had on families and businesses connected to New Brunswick’s essential oyster industry. Our government will continue working with all levels of government, industry partners, growers, harvesters, and processors on practical solutions to help our oyster industry restock, rebuild and continue on a prosperous and sustainable path.”
– The Honourable Sean Fraser, P.C., K.C., Member of Parliament for Central Nova, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
”New Brunswick is recognized internationally for producing high quality oysters. Overcoming serious challenges presented by MSX and Dermo is critical to the well-being and livelihoods of fishers, producers and growers in New Brunswick and across Atlantic Canada. By working with industry partners and local governments, we are taking the necessary steps to ensure the long-term future of the industry.”
– The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy
”This program, delivered in partnership with ACOA, will provide meaningful support to oyster growers throughout New Brunswick who have been impacted by the disease. Oyster farming was a thriving and highly viable sector before these challenges emerged. By improving access to seed, we’re helping producers rebuild capacity and ensuring this important industry continues to contribute to our provincial economy.”
– René Côté, Executive Director, CBDC Kent
Quick facts
- Multinucleated Sphere Unknown (MSX) and Dermo (also known as Perkinsosis) pose no risks to human health or food safety, but they can cause decreased growth rates and increased oyster mortality. They do not affect other bivalves in this area, including mussels, scallops, or clams.
- The presence of MSX and Dermo were first confirmed in New Brunswick in November 2024.
- As of September 2, 2025, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) declared the waters of Eastern Canada (i.e., New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, PEI, and Quebec) as areas where both MSX and Dermo are present or very likely to be present.
- CBDC Kent is a not-for-profit organization run by volunteers for the local business community who firmly believe in improving the economic viability of their region by helping potential and existing entrepreneurs access capital and other business resources.
- The $4.6 million funding announced today is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA) Business Development Program (BDP).
Associated links
Contacts
Jeanne Joannie Fogue Mgamgne
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
joannie.fogue@justice.gc.ca
Media Relations
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
mediaroom-salledesmedias@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
René Côté
Executive Director
CBDC Kent
506-743-2422
Rene.Cote@cbdc.ca
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