Through Canada's Economic Action Plan, the $8 million that was dedicated to assisting Atlantic Canada's lobster industry during this challenging economic period is close to being 100 per cent committed. Together with investments made by the provincial governments and other stakeholders, a total of 29 projects have benefited from a combined investment of approximately $15.8 million.

Today's announcement was made in Charlottetown today by the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), who was also speaking on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. Joining Minister Shea was the Honourable Neil LeClair, Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development for Prince Edward Island who represented the Provincial Government partners.

"The Federal Government is proud to assist the Atlantic Canadian lobster industry, especially during these tough economic times. We will continue to work with our stakeholders and provincial partners on a range of activities to capture, secure and grow a place for Atlantic Canadian lobster in the global market," said Minister Shea. "By supporting a well-organized fishery with a strong commitment to conservation and trade, we can promote the continued viability of this valuable contributor to the Canadian economy."

The projects announced under the EAP's Lobster Initiative focus on boosting productivity, expanding best practices within the industry, and developing new markets and training opportunities.

Four projects announced today are Atlantic in scope and will assist the industry, including that of Newfoundland and Labrador, to address training, marketing and sustainability issues. For example, the Canadian Council of Professional Fish Harvesters and Atlantic lobster industry stakeholders are designing and piloting a seafood traceability system for the region's lobster industry.

Last May, the Fishermen's Resource Centre Inc., the business development arm of the Fish, Food and Allied Workers' (FFAW) union, received $431,000 from the CAF lobster initiative, $176,000 from DFO and $15,000 from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to measure the effectiveness of conservation efforts implemented in the lobster industry.

"The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador remains committed to working with our colleagues and stakeholders in continuing to support projects that develop the lobster fishery," said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. "Our government has also made significant contributions to our province's lobster industry. This includes a contribution of $283,000 to lobster enhancement projects in Placentia Bay."

Canada's Economic Action Plan is providing a total of $1 billion over two years through the Community Adjustment Fund to support initiatives that help create and maintain jobs in communities impacted by the economic downturn. Atlantic Canada's allocation of $100 million under CAF is administered by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

For information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

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