Fisheries and Aquaculture
Municipal Affairs
July 13, 2016
Supporting Individuals and Communities
Assistance Available to Workers Affected by Closure of Cottlesville Fish Plant
Following a request made by the Town of Cottlesville on behalf of plant workers in the area, former employees of the Breakwater Fisheries Ltd. plant in Cottlesville have been deemed eligible for workforce adjustment measures by the Cabinet Committee on Fisheries Issues. The plant has not operated since December 2014.
"Under the Integrated Transition Framework for Displaced Plant Workers our government is committed to helping individuals and communities overcome the closure of fish plants, which often serve as the largest single employer in a rural community. The transitional supports we are making available to these workers will enable them to access services to help them participate in retraining or skill development for future employment opportunities."
- The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture
The Integrated Transition Framework for Displaced Plant Workers is a multi-departmental program established to respond to communities and individuals impacted by fish plant closures. It provides one-time transitional employment assistance and offers participants access to transitional counselling services to better prepare for future employment opportunities. Further details are provided in the chart below.
"We understand this is a challenging time for people in the region impacted by the closure of the fish plant in Cottlesville. Through programs such as the Fish Plant Worker Employment Support Program, along with economic development and career counselling services, our government will help support workers in their efforts to find new employment opportunities which enhance the economic and social development of their communities."
- The Honourable Eddie Joyce, Minister of Municipal Affairs
The Departments of Municipal Affairs; Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development; and Advanced Education and Skills will provide a range of services to affected workers, including:
Department | Program | Planned Action |
Municipal Affairs |
Fish Plant Worker Employment Support Program |
Short-term employment measures to develop projects as required Information available at 1-866-508-5500 |
Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development |
Economic development programs |
Continue to work with community stakeholders and organizations on approaches to diversify the economy |
Advanced Education and Skills |
Career exploration and counselling services, assessment of prior skills and experience and options for retraining |
Contact the Labour Market and Career Information Hotline at 1-800-563-6600, TTY: 1-866-729-4685 |
Information sessions for affected workers will be held in Cottlesville in the coming weeks. For more information about the Integrated Transition Framework for Displaced Plant Workers visit www.fishaq.gov.nl.ca/industry_renewal.
QUICK FACTS
- Former employees of Breakwater Fisheries Ltd.'s plant in Cottlesville have been deemed eligible for workforce adjustment measures by the Cabinet Committee on Fisheries Issues. The plant has not operated since December 2014.
- The Integrated Transition Framework for Displaced Plant Workers was established to respond to communities and individuals impacted by fish plant closures. It provides one-time transitional employment assistance, and offers participants access to transitional counselling services to better prepare for future employment opportunities.
- Information sessions for affected workers will be held in Cottlesville in the coming weeks.
- More information about the Integrated Transition Framework for Displaced Plant Workers is available at www.fishaq.gov.nl.ca/industry_renewal
- 30 -
Media contacts:
Vanessa Colman-Sadd
Director of Communications Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture 709-729-3733, 682-6593 vanessacolmansadd@gov.nl.ca |
Heather May
Director of Communications Department of Municipal Affairs 709-729-1983, 697-5061 heathermay@gov.nl.ca |
2016 07 13 2:25 p.m.