An environmental advocacy organization has raised concerns over the confusing and inadequate labeling of seafood, which it argues leaves Canadian consumers in the dark when trying to buy local products.
In response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war with Canada, many Canadians have started shifting their shopping habits towards more locally sourced products. However, SeaChoice, a group dedicated to promoting awareness of sustainable seafood in Canada, claims that current labeling practices for seafood are failing consumers by omitting vital information. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for shoppers to make informed decisions, especially for those wanting to support Canadian fisheries.
Under Canadian law, imported seafood must be labeled based on where it was processed, rather than where it was caught or farmed. As a result, even if a product is caught in Canadian waters or farmed in Canadian aquaculture, it is not required to be labeled as Canadian. For instance, fish that are caught in Canada, processed in China, and then shipped back to Canada will often have a label reading “Product of China,” even though the original catch was Canadian.
Christina Callegari, the senior coordinator for Marine Programs at the Ecology Action Centre – a founding member of SeaChoice – points out that such practices lead to significant confusion. She notes that consumers may encounter several varieties of whitefish or tuna at the seafood counter, yet without clear labels, it’s impossible to tell whether the fish were caught by Canadian fishers or imported from abroad. Furthermore, there is often no indication of the specific species of fish being sold.
This ambiguity, SeaChoice argues, not only misleads consumers but could also result in economic harm to Canadian fishers and aquaculture producers. Many consumers genuinely want to buy locally produced goods and support domestic industries. But without clear and informative labeling, they can’t be sure if the products they purchase are actually from Canada. As Callegari highlights, this lack of transparency is incredibly frustrating for consumers who are eager to make informed choices that support local industries.
SeaChoice is calling for stronger labeling laws that would ensure greater transparency for consumers. Specifically, they suggest that labels should include both the common and scientific names of the species to avoid misrepresentation, as well as the fishing or farming methods used to harvest the seafood. This would not only help consumers but would also provide valuable insights into the environmental impact of various seafood production practices.
According to Callegari, it’s crucial for labeling information to be consistent and traceable throughout every step of the seafood supply chain. With better labeling practices, consumers could confidently choose seafood that is local, sustainable, and ethically sourced. This, in turn, would ensure that their money supports Canadian fisheries, workers, and the health of the oceans, contributing to a more sustainable food system overall.
Trade War and Tariffs with the U.S. Continue to Escalate
As the issue of seafood labeling continues to stir debate, the trade war between Canada and the United States, ignited by President Trump’s tariffs, has also taken another turn. Last week, President Trump imposed a sweeping 25% tariff on imports of steel and aluminum, which briefly came into effect before he signed an executive order delaying the tariffs for a month.
In retaliation, Canada has introduced nearly $30 billion worth of counter-tariffs on U.S. goods. This includes a broad range of products such as orange juice, peanut butter, wine, spirits, beer, coffee, household appliances, apparel, footwear, motorcycles, cosmetics, and certain types of pulp and paper. These countermeasures were enacted just after midnight on Thursday, and while Trump has temporarily delayed the universal tariffs, Canadian officials have made it clear that they will not lift their retaliatory measures unless the U.S. president fully backs down from his trade war policies.
The tariffs have become a flashpoint in the ongoing diplomatic and economic tensions between the two countries. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has indicated that the tariffs will be revisited next month, which suggests that trade relations will remain strained for the foreseeable future.
In light of these developments, both the issue of seafood labeling and the broader trade conflict underscore the increasing challenges faced by consumers and industries alike in navigating the complexities of international trade and domestic purchasing decisions.
