The federal government has announced new COVID-19 relief measures for the beleaguered fishing industry.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says they are spending 469-million dollars to support fish harvesters who have been ineligible for other aid packages.
“First of all, we’re creating the Fish Harvester Benefit. If you’re expecting a twenty-five percent loss in income this season, you’ll get support to cover seventy-five percent of your losses, up to about ten thousand dollars. ”
The PM says the Fish Harvester Benefit is not the only support they are announcing.
“We’re also introducing additional non-repayable grants of up to ten thousand dollars for fish harvesters who own their own business and need support to bridge to better times.”
Trudeau adds the government will change Employment Insurance rules for self-employed harvesters who can’t currently apply.
“And for workers who are worried about next year, we will change Employment Insurance rules so that fish harvesters can apply for EI benefits based on earnings of previous years.”
Trudeau stresses the financial help is needed as “You can’t harvest lobster from inside your house.”
With files from Mike Ebbeling
