The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources, and the Honourable Graham Letto, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment, today announced $2.5 million to assist fish plant workers in the event of a downturn in processing work. Funding will come from the Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA).
Administered by the Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment, this Budget 2019 funding supports industry and workers by helping potentially displaced workers find new employment, if required, and allowing them access to supports to gain new skills. Provincial Government staff reach out to impacted companies, communities and residents to provide information on available supports and to determine eligibility for assistance.
Through Budget 2019, the Provincial Government is focused on strengthening the provincial workforce to ensure it is positioned to take advantage of current and future opportunities in key sectors.
The Newfoundland and Labrador fishery employs nearly 16,000 people from 400 communities. Support for the seafood industry delivers on commitments in The Way Forward to strengthen the province’s economic foundation and deliver better outcomes for residents. The Way Forward outlines all actions the Provincial Government is taking to achieve a strong, diversified province with a high standard of living, and can be viewed at thewayforward.gov.nl.ca.
Quotes
“The fishery is essential to our economy, embedded in our culture, and prominent in our future. When communities are impacted by an industry downturn, our government is there to help. If this coming season results in hardship for those working in the fish processing sector, we will respond to assist, as we always have.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources
“Our government has been working hard to support the development of safe and sustainable communities. Through this funding, if required we will provide meaningful, short-term employment opportunities for displaced workers at a time when they need it most.”
Honourable Graham Letto
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment
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Connie Boland
Fisheries and Land Resources
709-637-2923, 640-6409
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Lynn Robinson
Municipal Affairs and Environment
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lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca