AquaBoreal receives $4.4M repayable contribution from the Government of Canada

A strategic investment in aquaculture innovation, the development of Quebec's maritime regions and food self-sufficiency

BAIE-TRINITÉ, QC, Nov. 2, 2026 /CNW/ -- AquaBoreal has reached a new milestone in its land-based aquaculture project in Baie-Trinité, in the Côte-Nord region, with a $4.4 million repayable contribution from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED).

Awarded under the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program and the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), this contribution provides significant support for the development of new aquaculture production capacity in Quebec.

AquaBoreal

For AquaBoreal, this decision means more than financial support. It recognizes the potential of aquaculture innovation as a driver of regional economic development, diversification of maritime activities and stronger food self-sufficiency for Quebec and Canada.

"This contribution confirms the Government of Canada's confidence in our project, and also in our ability to develop a new generation of aquaculture solutions in Quebec and Canada. We are investing considerable resources to bring this vision to life and create new economic activity on the Côte-Nord. We want to show that a significant share of the salmon consumed by Quebecers and Canadians can be produced here, while building jobs, expertise and added value in the region. Food self-sufficiency also depends on our ability to innovate and produce locally the foods we currently import in large quantities."  - Léopold Landry, President, AquaBoreal

A new economic outlook for Quebec's maritime regions

The project reflects a commitment to making aquaculture innovation a driver of economic development for the Côte-Nord and all of Quebec's maritime regions, an area facing challenges and the decline of certain traditional fishing activities.

In this context, developing an innovative aquaculture industry is an opportunity to diversify the regional economy, create specialized jobs and strengthen Quebec expertise in a sector with strong potential. It could also generate new business opportunities for local companies and suppliers.

The participation of Innu First Nations is an important dimension of the project. Far beyond its economic value, salmon is a powerful symbol of the culture, identity and connection to the land of Indigenous peoples. With this in mind, the involvement of Innu communities in developing this new aquaculture industry is particularly significant and opens up possibilities for collaboration and benefits for the region.

Key milestones toward project completion

The Government of Quebec has also recognized the strategic importance of the project. Following the environmental assessment process and the work of the Bureau d'audiences publiques sur l'environnement (BAPE), an order in council authorized the project in March 2026, allowing AquaBoreal to move forward with obtaining permits and preparing for construction.

The $4.4 million federal contribution builds on the progress made to date and supports the next steps, including detailed engineering and infrastructure preparation.

About AquaBoreal

AquaBoreal is developing a land-based aquaculture project in Baie-Trinité, on the Côte-Nord, to produce Atlantic salmon raised in salt water using recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). The project aims to build local production capacity while contributing to aquaculture innovation, regional economic diversification and Quebec's food self-sufficiency.

The company has reached several key milestones, including completion of the environmental assessment process, the order in council authorizing the project, support from the Plan Nord, and confirmed access to the 7 megawatts of electrical power required for its first phase.

AquaBoreal is continuing preparatory work for its infrastructure, with the goal of contributing to the development of an innovative aquaculture industry and to the long-term economic outlook of the Côte-Nord.

SOURCE AquaBoréal

Informations : Source : Agro Québec (https://agroquebec.com/) Philippe St-Jean, [email protected], 514 820-6532