Canadian Minister Boosts Seafood Exports at Major Trade Show

Heath MacDonald and other officials promote Canadian fish and seafood products at Seafood Expo North America in Boston.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 5:35am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Canada's Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, traveled to Boston this week to attend Seafood Expo North America, the largest seafood trade show in North America. MacDonald was joined by other Canadian officials, including the Minister of Fisheries and representatives from several provincial governments. They opened the Canada Pavilion, which featured 133 Canadian exhibitors showcasing a variety of seafood products. MacDonald visited exhibitors, attended events, and participated in discussions about the Canada-U.S. agri-food and seafood partnership.

Why it matters

The seafood industry is a vital part of Canada's economy, with $6 billion in exports to the United States in 2025. Events like Seafood Expo North America provide an important platform for Canadian businesses to promote their products and strengthen trade relationships.

The details

At the expo, Minister MacDonald and other Canadian officials opened the Canada Pavilion, which featured businesses from across the country promoting seafood products like arctic char, caviar, lobster, and sea urchin. MacDonald visited exhibitors, attended provincial events, and participated in roundtable discussions about shared opportunities and challenges in the industry. The Canada-U.S. agri-food and seafood partnership is crucial, with bilateral trade totaling $100.2 billion in 2025.

  • The expo took place this week in Boston, Massachusetts.
  • MacDonald and other officials traveled to Boston for the event.

The players

Heath MacDonald

The Honourable Heath MacDonald is the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food for the Government of Canada.

Joanne Thompson

The Honourable Joanne Thompson is the Minister of Fisheries for the Government of Canada.

Rob Lantz

The Honourable Rob Lantz is the Premier of Prince Edward Island.

Bernadette Jordan

Bernadette Jordan is the Consul General of Canada in Boston.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

Canada's seafood industry plays a crucial role in the country's economy, with strong trade ties to the United States. Events like Seafood Expo North America provide an important platform for Canadian businesses to showcase their products and strengthen these important trade relationships.