An announcement of support for commercial fishers is welcome news for North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney.
While many details remain to be confirmed, the fish harvester benefit and fish harvester grant, as well as changes to employment insurance (EI) fishing benefits, aim to support many commercial fishers who do not meet specific criteria for previously announced business supports such as the wage subsidy and Canada Emergency Business Account, stated Blaney in a media release.
“The COVID-19 crisis is just the latest challenge for commercial fishers on our coast, many of whom had devastating seasons last year due to restrictions,” stated Blaney. “Fishing is an important part of food security and of our culture and economy in smaller coastal communities. It needs our support so younger generations can see a sustainable future in fishing.”
Blaney stated that the fish harvester grant will offer up to $10,000 based on historic revenues for harvesters unable to access the Canada Emergency Business Account. The fish harvester benefit will provide self-employed and shares-person crewmembers who can show a 25 per cent income loss with up to $847 per week, much like the wage subsidy program, added Blaney. For employment insurance, fish harvesters will be able to reference previous years for eligibility.
In the coming days, Blaney will be working with NDP fisheries critic Gord Johns and minister of fisheries and oceans Bernadette Jordan to confirm eligibility criteria and ensure it meets the needs of local fishers.
“As the details come out, I want to hear from fishers in our communities to make sure these programs work for them and bring any gaps to the minister,” stated Blaney.
The prime minister announced up to $469.4 million in new measures to support Canada’s fish harvesters, who are economically impacted by the pandemic but cannot access existing federal measures.
