Executive Council
Fisheries and Land Resources
Municipal Affairs and Environment
August 21, 2017

Provincial Government Supports Processing Plant Workers in Wake of Resource Decline and Other Challenges

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has made $5.5 million in funding available to address significant employment challenges faced by processing plant workers as a result of declines in shellfish resources, severe sea ice conditions, and other challenges this year.

Administered by the Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment, the funding will be used to create short-term insurable employment for processing plant workers.

The Provincial Government will be reaching out to impacted companies, communities, and residents to provide information on available supports and determine eligibility for assistance.

A suite of supports is also available under the Integrated Transition Framework for Displaced Plant Workers. This multi-departmental program exists to respond to communities and individuals impacted by fish plant closures. It provides transitional employment assistance and offers participants access to transitional counselling services to better prepare for future employment opportunities.

For more information about the Integrated Transition Framework for Displaced Plant Workers visit www.fishaq.gov.nl.ca/industry_renewal.

Quotes
“The value of our seafood industry to the provincial economy is significant, but its value to our history, our culture, and rural communities across the province is immeasurable. Today’s announcement highlights our government’s commitment to helping people and communities during this challenging time for the provincial seafood industry. As the industry navigates its way through rapid change and difficult circumstances, we will be there at every step of the way, working with plant workers, harvesters, businesses, and the Federal Government to achieve the best outcomes for the fishery, and everyone with a stake in it.”
Honourable Dwight Ball
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

"When I became Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources, one of my foremost priorities was to address the unique combination of challenges that are currently affecting employment in our provincial fishery. With this new funding, our government will help connect many more families with the supports they need while we work with our industry and federal partners to promote sustainability and viability for the future. This initiative will help us meet immediate needs; collaboration will be vital to finding longer term solutions for the industry.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources

“Our government understands that this is a challenging time for processing plant workers in our province, and we are determined to help. Assistance in creating short-term employment for eligible individuals will provide much needed support and ultimately contribute to economic and social development in these regions.”
Honourable Eddie Joyce
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment

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Learn More
Integrated Transition Framework for Displaced Plant Workers: www.fishaq.gov.nl.ca/industry_renewal

Fisheries and Land Resources: www.flr.gov.nl.ca/

Municipal Affairs and Environment: www.mae.gov.nl.ca/

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL external link, @FLR_GovNL external link and @MAE_GovNL external link

Media contacts
Jason Card
Premier's Office
709-729-3558
jasoncard@gov.nl.ca

Rod Drover
Fisheries and Land Resources
709-729-3783, 730-4607
rodneycdrover@gov.nl.ca

Lynn Robinson
Municipal Affairs and Environment
709-729-5449, 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca

2017 08 21                              11:25 a.m.