How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses, capped at $2500000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who are the financial supporters of the Quebec Fisheries Fund — Infrastructure?

Quebec Fisheries Fund — Infrastructure is funded by Government of Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)

What are Quebec Fisheries Fund — Infrastructure's eligibility criterias?

Eligible recipients must be located in Quebec and be engaged in activities related to fish and seafood harvesting, processing, or aquaculture. Eligible entities include commercial enterprises (cooperatives, sole proprietorships, incorporated entities, partnerships), non-commercial entities (academics, industry associations, post-secondary institutions, research institutions), and Indigenous organizations or groups.

Quebec Fisheries Fund — Infrastructure

Last Update: March 15, 2025

QC, Canada

Funds to improve sustainability in Quebec's seafood sector

Quebec Fisheries Fund — Infrastructure at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $2,500,000
Up to 100% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : December 7, 2020
Closing date : March 31, 2024

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

Grant Providers

Government of Canada
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)

Status

Closed

Overview of the Quebec Fisheries Fund — Infrastructure program

Get a contribution of up to $1 million/year for adapting or adopting new technologies, processes or equipment to improve the efficiency and sustainability of the fish and seafood sector, and for associated training.

Financing terms and conditions

The maximum contribution amount payable under the Innovation and Infrastructure components is $2.5 million per project, with a maximum annual amount of $1 million.
For the Science Partnerships component, the maximum contribution amount is $1 million per project, with an annual cap of $500,000.
Total public funding for eligible costs will not exceed 100% for non-commercial organizations, 90% for commercial recipients with up to 19 employees, 75% for those with 20 to 499 employees, and 50% for recipients with 500 or more employees.
Eligible costs include training, materials, labor costs, and construction-related expenses but exclude certain large-scale construction projects unless expressly agreed in writing.
In-kind contributions must be essential to the project and are included in stacking limit calculations.
Contributions to non-profit organizations are non-repayable, while those to for-profit organizations may be repayable under certain conditions.
Repayment of contributions may depend on the project's success and predefined criteria such as sales or productivity gains.
Payments are made based on the reimbursement of eligible costs, completion of key stages, or a costing formula calculated against project milestones.

Eligible projects & activities

Undertake activities to market innovations in the fish and seafood sector.
Conduct pilot projects and test new innovations for sustainability.
Research and development driving innovations that enhance the sustainability of the fish and seafood sector.
Establish partnerships or networks for innovation activities in the fish and seafood sector, in alignment with program objectives.
Provide training for the adoption or adaptation of new technologies, processes, or equipment.
Adopt or adapt new technologies, processes, or equipment to improve efficiency and sustainability in the fish and seafood sector.
Conduct scientific activities supporting the implementation of sustainable harvesting technologies.
Research on the impacts of ecosystem changes on fish stocks, distribution, and the commercial fishery.
Initiatives to set up partnerships or networks supporting innovation activities in the fish and seafood sector.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 1,000,000

Construction of a new processing plant using advanced technologies

$ 650,000

Upgrade of fish farming equipment to new sustainable models

$ 500,000

Research partnership to study ecosystem changes affecting salmon

$ 800,000

Implementation of sustainable harvesting technology for crab fisheries in St John's

$ 750,000

Development of automated sorting equipment for shellfish

$ 600,000

Development of eco-friendly packaging for seafood products

Eligibility criteria of the Quebec Fisheries Fund — Infrastructure program

The applicant must reside in Quebec and be involved in fish and seafood harvesting, processing, aquaculture, or activities supporting these sectors.
Eligible recipients include commercial, for-profit enterprises such as cooperatives, sole proprietorships, incorporated entities, and partnerships.
Non-commercial, non-profit enterprises like academics, industry associations, post-secondary institutions, research and innovation institutions, and Indigenous organizations or groups not classified as commercial enterprises are also eligible.
Applicants must have the legal capacity to enter into a contribution agreement.

Who is eligible?

Commercial, for-profit enterprises, including cooperatives, sole proprietorships, incorporated entities, and partnerships (unincorporated businesses owned by more than one person)
Non-commercial, non-profit enterprises such as academics, industry associations, post-secondary institutions, and research and innovation institutions
Indigenous organizations or groups that are not commercial enterprises

Who is not eligible

Some types of companies are not eligible for the Quebec Fisheries Fund grant. They include:

Non-Canadian companies
Public institutions
Government departments and agencies

Eligible expenses

Training costs.
Publication services.
Materials and supplies.
Maintenance and repairs.
Conferences and meetings costs.
Printing and imaging costs.
Travel costs and related expenses.
Communications research services.
Construction costs and related expenses.
Purchase or rental of machinery and equipment.
Insurance expenses related to agreement activities.
Costs associated with building or operating permits.
Telecommunications, communications and network services.
Postage, transport, express services and road transport costs.
Indirect administrative costs up to 10% of all other eligible costs.
Professional and technical services, and other contractual services.
Rental, leasing or chartering of office space, rooms, groups of rooms, a building or facilities.
Cost and expenses associated with obtaining eco-certification or similar certifications.
Salaries, employee benefits and other labor costs, including mandatory benefits from the employer.
Costs associated with attending or giving presentations at conferences, symposia, workshops, meetings or exhibitions.

Eligible geographic areas

Quebec, Canada

Eligibility criteria of the Quebec Fisheries Fund — Infrastructure program

Determination of recipient eligibility based on the program's criteria.
Assessment of eligible activities and costs within the project.
Verification of adherence to the maximum funding amounts and stacking limits.
Evaluation of the project's contribution to one or more objectives of the Quebec Fisheries Fund, such as innovation, infrastructure improvement, and scientific partnerships.
Specific component objectives: Innovation: Contribution to the development or commercialization of new technologies or products, addressing major industry issues, and enhancing sustainability and productivity.
Infrastructures: Adoption or adaptation of new technologies to improve sector efficiency, addressing major industry challenges, and increasing competitiveness and sustainability.
Science partnerships: Enhancement of understanding and adaptation to ecosystem changes, potential to inform resource management, and technology transfer.
Degree of collaboration and the extent of benefits to the sector, with an emphasis on multi-stakeholder engagement.
Project rationale, including feasibility, profitability, benefits to Quebec's economy, and the likelihood of achieving results within the proposed time frame.
Evaluation of technical, financial, and managerial capacity to implement the project successfully.
Consideration of projects deemed key by Quebec or aligned with Canada's priorities, with attention to maximizing sector benefits in case of similar projects.

How to apply to the Quebec Fisheries Fund — Infrastructure program

Overview

Understand the role of the Quebec Fisheries Fund in supporting innovation and sustainable development in the seafood sector.
Identify the main objectives of the fund, including innovation, infrastructure, and scientific partnerships.

Who can submit an application

Check eligibility based on your status in the fishing sector.
Ensure that your project meets the criteria required by the fund.

Eligible Activities

Identify if the activities of your project align with the funded areas: innovation, infrastructure, scientific partnerships.

Prepare a proposal

Write a proposal detailing the innovation or development that your project will bring.
Enhance your proposal with relevant proof of concept or partnerships.
Attach all requested documents and details for a complete file.

How to submit a request

Submit your application according to the specific instructions provided by the Quebec Fisheries Fund.
Use the recommended channels for sending your file, which may include an online portal or postal mail.

Evaluation

Wait for the assessment of your proposal by the Quebec Fisheries Fund.
Be ready to provide additional information if requested.

Additional information

The Quebec Fisheries Fund program is effective from April 24, 2019, and will conclude on March 31, 2024, or when allocated funds are exhausted, whichever comes first.
Intellectual property rights arising from a project are conferred to the recipient or may be negotiated between the parties involved for usage rights.
Canada’s official languages obligations will be adhered to, ensuring bilingual services and promoting vitality in official language minority communities.
The management of intellectual property includes potential negotiation for a license, benefiting public purposes without affecting the recipient's objectives negatively.
Recipients must report actual costs incurred, financial assistance received sources, and outcomes of activities within their financial and performance reporting obligations.
Non-repayable contributions to non-profit organizations and certain for-profit organizations are outlined, while repayable contributions are provided under specific conditions related to project success or recipient requests.