Fisheries and Aquaculture
March 25, 2015
Protecting the Interests of the Seafood Sector
Province Urges Federal Minister to Consider Support to Address Expected Ice Delays
The Provincial Government is urging the Federal Government to prepare an ice compensation program to support fish harvesters and plant workers in the likely event that severe sea ice conditions delay the start of the 2015 fishing season.
"It is important that the economic interests of harvesters and plant workers are protected in the event that their Employment Insurance benefits expire before ice conditions allow the start of fishing activity this season. Ice conditions delayed the start of some fisheries last season and workers in the industry were negatively impacted as their Employment Insurance benefits expired without an ice compensation program to fall back on. I have written the Honourable Pierre Poilievre, Minister of Employment and Social Development Canada, to stress the importance of providing financial support to impacted individuals as needed."
- The Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture
In 2007, an ice compensation program was provided by the Federal Government to support harvesters whose fishing season was delayed due to ice conditions. This program made it possible for eligible participants to receive weekly compensation that was comparable to their average Employment Insurance (EI) payments at the time. A similar program was also offered in 1991.
The decision to implement funding support falls exclusively under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government and the Provincial Government is urging that consideration be given to preparing a financial assistance program now. This will ensure the Federal Government is ready to support industry participants should their EI benefits expire.
Minister Granter's letter to Minister Poilievre is available at: www.gov.nl.ca/releases/2015/fishaq/0325n07_letter.pdf 
QUICK FACTS
- The Provincial Government is urging the Federal Government to prepare an ice compensation program to support fish harvesters and plant workers in the likely event that severe sea ice conditions delay the start of the 2015 fishing season.
- An ice compensation program was provided by the Federal Government in 2007 making it possible for eligible participants to receive weekly compensation comparable to their average EI payments. A similar program was also offered in 1991.
- The Provincial Government is urging the Federal Government to consider organizing a financial assistance program now, to be ready to support industry participants should their EI benefits expire.
- Heavy ice conditions delayed the start of the 2014 fishing season. The Canadian Coast Guard has indicated that this year's ice conditions are among the worst in 30 years.
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Media contact:
| Roger Scaplen
Director of Communications Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture 709-729-3733, 697-5267 rogerscaplen@gov.nl.ca |
2015 03 25 4:05 p.m.