The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has entered into an agreement with the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation (FFMC) to operate the Northwest Territories’ (NWT) new fish processing facility in Hay River.

FFMC is a Crown corporation established in 1969 that purchases, processes and markets freshwater fish products across Canada and around the world. FFMC is partnering with the GNWT to expanded fish processing capability and strengthen local capacity to operate the plant.

The three-year agreement provides an opportunity for the local workforce to increase the skills and abilities that are needed to process fish in a modern facility. Concurrently, the NWT Commercial Fishing Industry will work with the GNWT to increase fish production on Great Slave Lake.

A revitalized fishing sector in the NWT will provide growth and diversity for the economy around the Great Slave Lake. It will provide greater returns for NWT fishers, opportunities for new fishers, increased food security and new products and jobs for the NWT particularly in Hay River.

Quote(s)

“Our strategy to first restore the Great Slave Lake Fishing industry will put us on a path to realize its growth and prosperity. It will require significant commitment and investment from all participants and stakeholders, but in time, the Hay River processing plant will support the sustainability of the sector, improve the livelihoods of fishermen in the NWT, and increase local food production, and economic value for the NWT.”

- Caroline Wawzonek, Minister of Industry Tourism and Investment

Quick facts

• The completion of the fish processing plant in Hay River will support two GNWT mandates: to increase food security through locally produced, harvested and affordable food; and to increase economic diversification through the growth of non-extractive sectors and setting regional diversification targets.
• The agreement between the GNWT and the FFMC takes effect May 11, 2023.
• The plant will be in operation for the 2023 open water season. A formal opening event is being planned for July.   

Related links

• Commercial Fishing in the NWT
• Strategy for Revitalizing the Great Slave Lake Commercial Fishery
• Freshwater Fish

For media requests, please contact:

Drew Williams

Asst. Director, Strategic Communications

Industry, Tourism, and Investment

Government of the Northwest Territories

drew_williams@gov.nt.ca

(867) 767-9202 ext. 63037