Association of Seafood Producers, Seafood Processors of Newfoundland and Labrador come together as one organization.
t was simply a marriage that made sense, says Derek Butler, executive director of the Association of Seafood Producers (ASP).
Speaking to SaltWire following Thursday’s announcement that ASP and the Seafood Processors of Newfoundland and Labrador (SPONL) were uniting as one organization, Butler said the idea to team up had been tossed around for a while, and COVID-19 was the catalyst that brought them together.
Over the years, said Butler, both organizations had been doing similar things on common issues, like lobbying governments on policy, seeking out marketing opportunities and participating in collective bargaining with fish harvesters.
When the pandemic arrived in Canada in 2020, Butler said, the collaboration and communication between both groups ramped up as they shared information on things like sourcing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and best practices to keep workers safe.
From that closer working relationship, said Butler, SPONL’s executive director Francis Littlejohn suggested it might be time to pursue a more solid collaboration, through a merger.
The new association represents 25 members, which is the majority of seafood processors in the province. Just three processors, including the Fogo Island Co-op, are not part of the association.
One of the key benefits of the merger, said Butler, is “it gives us a unified voice.
“When we’re dealing with stakeholders, whether it’s with the FFAW, various levels of government, the Atlantic Fisheries Fund, media … whatever we do I think it’s more effective to have a single strong voice.”
Whether it’s seeking changes to the temporary foreign worker program, researching or acquiring innovative technology, marketing or promoting the industry as an opportunity for younger people seeking to find a career, Butler said it’s better when everyone is on the same page, working together in a common mission.
He added, “It’s heartening to see members come together and share knowledge and experience, like we did on COVID.”
The merger has already begun with staffing.
Sara Sullivan, who handled public relations for the St. John’s Airport Authority, is now the media relations officer for the revamped ASP.
SPONL’s executive director will also join the ASP staff, said Butler, noting Littlejohn brings a wealth of experience to the table.
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