Saint Andrews, New Brunswick: Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA, has announced an investment of $241,875, through the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF), to the Huntsman Marine Science Centre (HMSC) in Saint Andrews.
This support will help HMSC improve its facility with the addition of a new HVAC system and exhibit upgrades, and increase the overall experience for visitors, visitation numbers, operational revenues and improve its sustainability.
Launched in July 2021, the TRF was created to help organizations and businesses in the tourism sector adapt their operations to meet public health requirements, offer innovative products and services to visitors and prepare to welcome back travellers. The TRF is administered by Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs) and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED).
Ginette Petitpas Taylor said: “As we recover from this pandemic, we are focused on being there for the tourism sector. With the support announced today, the Huntsman Marine Science Centre will be able to prepare for the future and attract new clients. This is an important step in the recovery effort that will allow visitors to discover the world-class tourism experiences Atlantic Canada has to offer.”
Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, said:
“The Canadian tourism sector continues to be one of the most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are fully committed to supporting businesses and organizations through these challenging times, keeping safety as the top priority while ensuring they get support to quickly recover, innovate their products and services, and thrive. The Tourism Relief Fund will help businesses adapt, make improvements, and be ready to welcome back guests. It also feeds into a broader strategy to help the sector survive the pandemic, recover and grow. The Canadian economy will not fully recover until our tourism sector recovers.”
Paul Leger, Chair of the Board of Directors, Huntsman Marine Science Centre, added: “This year, the Huntsman Board of Directors completed our Huntsman Marine at 75 Years Strategic Vision to 2044. Investments from the Tourism Relief Fund will prepare the Huntsman to meet our long-term objectives by increasing activities across our campuses and expanding the months of operation in our Fundy Discovery Aquarium.”
•The HMSC is a research and science-based teaching institution that encourages interaction between scientists and industry by providing incubator facilities for start-up companies in the marine sector of the economy.
• The HMSC supports the development of a sustainable aquaculture sector through three principle streams of research, including broodstock, database management, and pathogen services.