Today, the Government of Canada announced $469 million in support to fish and seafood harvesters through the Fish Harvester Benefit and the Fish Harvester Grant. This is the largest amount of money put into fisheries in 20 years.
Fish Harvester Benefit – $267.6 million:
- Will provide income support to fishers who lost at least 25% of their income during COVID-19
- Support equates to that of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS), to cover up to 75% of fishing income loss, resulting in $847/week for 12 weeks
Fish Harvester Grant – $201.8 million:
- Non-repayable grant for fish & seafood harvesters who cannot access the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
- Support equates to that of CEBA by providing $10,000 to self-employed, commercial fishers
These supports include changes to EI to allow self-employed harvesters and shareholders to access EI benefits on the basis of insurable earnings from the 2019 winter and summer seasons, and are meant for fish harvesters who do not qualify for any other governmental benefits.
*More EI changes for other workers coming soon
Lastly, I want you to know that my team and I are here to help you in any way we can. While our offices are closed, we can be reached as listed below.
This emergency situation is rapidly evolving, for the latest information on COVID-19 please go to www.canada.ca/coronavirus
Best wishes,
Hon. Hedy Fry, P.C.
Member of Parliament for Vancouver Centre
