Federal boost sends $100K to Quebec salmon farm for sustainable aquaculture
Tashi Farmilo
Samonix Inc., a young aquaculture company based in Quebec, has secured nearly $100,000 in federal funding to support its ambitious project aimed at revolutionising Atlantic salmon farming. The financial assistance, totaling $99,998, was announced on August 19 by Sophie Chatel, Member of Parliament for Pontiac, on behalf of Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED). This funding is part of a broader effort by the federal government to stimulate economic growth in some of the province's more vulnerable regions.
Founded in 2020, Samonix has set its sights on developing a land-based aquaculture facility along the Ottawa River in Litchfield, a location the company believes is ideal for producing fresh, sustainably farmed salmon. The planned facility will supply salmon to markets in Quebec and Ontario, with the potential for expansion into the United States. The funding from CED will help cover the costs of preliminary studies crucial to the project’s pre-start-up phase and will enable the company to engage a variety of stakeholders necessary for the plant’s development.
“Our government is deeply committed to driving innovation and economic development across all regions, particularly in areas that have historically been overlooked,” said Chatel. She emphasised that by investing in Samonix during its critical pre-start-up phase, the government is laying the groundwork for economic growth that will benefit the Pontiac community and beyond.
The project is part of a larger strategy by the Canadian government to support businesses that can drive regional economic growth, especially in economically challenged areas. Minister of Tourism and CED, Soraya Martinez Ferrada, noted the significance of such investments, stating that the government’s approach is designed to ensure that even the most economically vulnerable regions in Quebec can participate in and benefit from the transition toward a more sustainable economy. She pointed out that Samonix’s approach to aquaculture is particularly compelling because it offers a way to farm salmon without harming the oceans and delicate ecosystems.
Mathieu Farley, the president and founder of Samonix, expressed his gratitude for the support, calling the funding a pivotal moment for the company. “With CED’s backing, we’re taking significant steps toward establishing a world-class facility that will set new standards in sustainable salmon farming,” Farley said. He added that the company’s vision is not only to supply top-quality salmon to local markets but also to position Samonix as a global leader in environmentally responsible aquaculture.
This funding, provided under a new customised financing approach for economically vulnerable Regional County Municipalities (RCMs) in Quebec, underscores the government’s commitment to fostering sustainable economic development in all parts of the province. By supporting innovative projects like Samonix’s, the federal government aims to build a more inclusive and sustainable economy, ensuring that regions like Pontiac can thrive in the years to come.
Photo caption: Samonix Inc., has received nearly $100,000 in federal funding to support the development of a sustainable land-based salmon farming facility in Quebec's Pontiac region.
Photo caption: Courtesy of Samonix
