Montague, Prince Edward Island, June 8, 2011 - The Government of Canada and
the Province of Prince Edward Island are pleased to welcome delegates from
around the world to the 8th International Conference on Molluscan Shellfish
Safety in Charlottetown, June 12 to 17, 2011.

"The Government of Canada is proud to support this conference as the
shellfish industry is key to our economy and to our coastal communities,"
said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "It's one example of the ways we
work with industry to find ways to help them continue to deliver the safe, high
quality product that they are known for."

"Using science to advance procedures for testing shellfish is
invaluable for the shellfish industry," said Prince Edward Island
Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Neil LeClair.
"Drawing on the knowledge of the leading scientific experts in this field
will benefit the industry and rural PEI as a leading shellfish producer in
Canada."

An anticipated 160 experts and industry officials from around the world will
share information on topics such as:

risk assessment

marine biotoxins and contaminants

harmful algal blooms (HABs)

microbiological issues

regulatory frameworks and trade

effects of climate change

The conference is being held in Charlottetown at the University of Prince
Edward Island.

Keynote speakers during the conference are Dr.
Karunasagar Iddya with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Dr. Wang Wei with General Administration of Quality,
Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China.

Canada has a very productive molluscan shellfish industry, with a value of
approximately $240 million annually. The Prince Edward Island shellfish
industry, which produces mussels, oysters, clams, quahaugs and scallops, has a
value in excess of $32 million and employs more than 2500 people.

For more information on the
8th International Conference on Molluscan Shellfish Safety , please visit:
http://www.gov.pe.ca/icmss2011/

For information:

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Media relations: 613-773-6600

Minister Agriculture and Agri-Food
Press Secretary
Jeff English
613-773-1059

Alf Blanchard
PEI Department of Fisheries,
Aquaculture and Rural Development
902-368-4888

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