Upgrades to a key funding program, along with a new accreditation for the Hay River fish plant, are renewing momentum in the Northwest Territories’ commercial fishing industry this open water season.

If you fish commercially in the Northwest Territories, the Commercial Fishery Support Program offers fuel rebates, production incentives, equipment funding and training to support you. In addition, the Hay River fish plant is here to give you a consistent, reliable point of sale.

Changes to the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) Commercial Fishery Support Program make it easier for NWT commercial fishers to get funding support. This program, originally launched as a pilot project, is now a permanent program, bringing all Government of the Northwest Territories commercial fishing supports together into one streamlined source. Changes to the program were informed by feedback directly from fishers.

Through the Commercial Fishery Support Program, fishers can access:

• fuel rebates for both fish plant deliveries and domestic sales,
• volume-based incentives tied to deliveries to the Hay River Fish Plant,
• funding of up to $20,000 to help offset startup costs, and
• support for equipment, recruitment and training.

For fishers already on the water this season, the fuel rebate and volume-based incentives offer immediate value: the more fish you deliver to the plant, the more support you receive.

This renewed funding and support builds on a significant milestone for the industry. On May 4, 2026, the Hay River fish plant received accreditation from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), allowing fish processed at the plant to be sold outside the NWT in national and international markets. Accreditation provides third-party verification of food safety and proper handling, adding value for fishers, buyers and retailers alike.

These supports come as the territory’s commercial fishery continues to grow. Production has increased steadily over the past three years, from approximately 700,000 pounds in 2023 to approximately 850,000 pounds in the summer of 2025.

Quote(s)

“The Northwest Territories’ commercial fishery has room to grow, and the government is making strategic investments to support this potential. The Government of the Northwest Territories is launching a renewed Commercial Fisher Support Program, making it easier to get established in the sector. At the same time, the Hay River fish plant has received full CFIA accreditation. This important milestone allows our high-quality, cold-water fish to be sold worldwide as NWT-branded fish and to net higher prices for our NWT fishers. These measures are creating more opportunities for Northerners and helping to realize the full economic value of the NWT’s fishing industry.”

- Caitlin Cleveland, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment

Quick facts

• NWT commercial fish production has grown from approximately 700,000 pounds in 2023 to approximately 850,000 pounds in summer 2025.
• The Hay River fish plant received CFIA accreditation on May 4, 2026, allowing processed fish to be sold nationally and internationally.

The Commercial Fishery Support Program consolidates fuel rebates, volume-based incentives, equipment funding, recruitment support and training under a single application. Applications are available through regional Industry, Tourism and Investment offices.

Related links

• Commercial Fishery Support Program
• Commercial Fishing in the Northwest Territories 
• Regional Industry, Tourism and Investment GNWT offices

For media requests, please contact:

Melvin Leonard

Assistant Director, Strategic Communication

Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment

Government of the Northwest Territories

Tel: (867) 767-9202 ext. 63038

Email: ITIcommunications@gov.nt.ca