Application process underway for Crab Workers Support Program

The Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs has sent application forms to fish plants throughout the province to assist crab industry workers wishing to qualify for the Crab Workers Support Program.

Jack Byrne, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, is encouraging crab industry workers to complete and submit forms to the department in order to move the process forward. �We are requesting the cooperation of all parties to complete the application form in detail and ensure copies of records of employment for 2004 and 2005 are attached. Employment records should be obtained from employers and submitted with the application. Individuals are encouraged to ensure that the declaration and authorization to disclose and collect information has been signed. This will help expedite the application process and ensure that those who qualify are provided employment opportunity in a timely fashion.�

Community based non-profit organizations are invited to submit project proposals which will be screened by an inter-departmental committee of officials. Government departments and agencies are also in the process of bringing forward project ideas which might be undertaken by community-based sponsors as a means of achieving worthwhile projects and providing needed employment assistance. �We are looking for worthwhile projects and meaningful work. Projects which provide a lasting benefit to communities will be given priority consideration; however, the absence of a legacy project will not act as an impediment to providing employment assistance,� added the minister.

Wherever possible, projects will be delivered in as close proximity as possible to the community of residence of impacted workers. The program will make every effort to match skill sets and projects to most suitable individuals and communities.

Government announced the $18 million dollar support program for crab industry workers on June 28. The support program for crab workers is intended to help address employment deficits and assist crab workers in the province negatively impacted by the late start of the crab fishery this year. Groups of eligible recipients include core and casual plant workers, graders, monitors and off-loaders, and truck drivers. Eligibility will be based on a demonstrated past employment in the crab fishery in 2004.

Eligible workers will be entitled to assistance under this program for a shortfall in their employment this year to a maximum of four weeks, with the rate of pay established for the program set at $8.50 per hour. If individuals remain short after using their entitlement under the program, then Government�s Community Enhancement Program is available to fill any gaps which may exist. Information on the Community Enhancement Program is available at //www.mpa.gov.nl.ca/mpa/enhancement/.

"We continue to work through the details of this new program to ensure that those affected by the late start of this year�s crab fishery are provided the opportunity to fill employment gaps which may exist,� added Minister Byrne. �The Crab Workers Support Program is a positive, innovative initiative by government to assist crab workers in the province. Cooperation and collaboration by crab workers, plants, union and government are key to move this initiative forward and ensure that workers who need assistance have the opportunity to access much needed employment as soon as possible."

Application information and program guidelines are posted on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Web site at //www.mpa.gov.nl.ca/mpa/crab/. Further information can be obtained by calling toll free 1-866-508-5500.

Media contact: Heather MacLean, Communications, (709) 729-1983, 690-2498

2005 07 18                     1:00 p.m.