Levi Karsarnak of Pond Inlet, left, Randy Kataluk of Coral Harbour and Ernie Grandy of Newfoundland work for Baffin Fisheries Coalition, which is set on providing employment for Inuit. - photo courtesy of Baffin Fisheries Coalition |
Expansion looms for Baffin Fisheries
Inuit company owns 100 per cent of assets and vessels, aims to create jobs
Stewart Burnett
Northern News Services
Monday, February 8, 2016
NUNAVUT
With the newly announced 100 per cent ownership of all its assets and vessels, Baffin Fisheries Coalition looks to continue providing employment and opportunities to Inuit.
Baffin Fisheries Coalition is expanding its administrative staff and has announced it has 100 per cent ownership of all its vessels and assets, including the MV Sivulliq, a 64-metre Arctic shrimp trawler in the Davis Strait. - photo courtesy of Baffin Fisheries Coalition |
"Before, we were only aligned with other companies to do fishing with all of our vessels," said Methusalah Kunuk, vice-president of BFC.
"This is the first time in Nunavut a company like us is owning 100 per cent of its vessels."
President Jacopie Maniapik stated in a news release that this announcement marks the beginning of a new era for the company.
"We are now able to fully manage our fleet and create new jobs and career opportunities in Nunavut," he stated.
In addition to the three new executive positions based in Nunavut, Baffin Fisheries is expanding its board of directors and creating new crew management, recruitment and administrative positions in Nunavut communities.
"The first priority is to recruit more Nunavummiut to the fishing industry," Maniapik stated. "We need to educate our youth about the benefits of a career in this growing industry."
Kunuk told Nunavut News/North the company, which currently employs approximately 60 Inuit, is looking at hiring another eight to 10 workers in the next couple of years.
The company will also be looking for fishermen to work in the factory and at other levels.
BFC is part of a consortium of companies in Nunavut that assist youth in finding meaningful employment.
"It's very important," said Kunuk.
"We have a very high unemployment (rate) here in Nunavut. Anyone like us creating jobs for those people is very important."
Baffin Fisheries operates a fleet of four vessels, producing premium cold water turbot and shrimp from the waters around Baffin Island. The company exports fresh-frozen seafood products to markets around the world and is involved in developing new inshore and offshore fisheries and conducting scientific research regarding emerging fisheries.
"Our goal is to become the leading supplier of sustainable, premium cold water seafood products to markets around the world," stated Maniapik. "Inuit fishers and hunters have responsibly managed our adjacent fisheries for thousands of years, and we look forward to continuing this practice for the benefit of our people."
