June 21, 2007
OTTAWA The Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, the Honourable Loyola Hearn, announced today that Canada's New Government will provide special financial aid to fishers in Northern Newfoundland and Labrador and Northeastern Quebec who are, or have been, prevented from fishing because of the severe ice conditions.
"Many fishers in these areas, particularly those on small boat enterprises, have been prevented or delayed from fishing because of the most severe ice conditions we have experienced in many years," said Minister Hearn. "As a result, they have experienced a prolonged period without any source of income. Extraordinary conditions have led to extraordinary measures."
Funding for the payments will be provided through Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). Up to $7.9 million has been set aside to provide compensation payments for up to 5,100 applicants who are expected to have been affected by ice conditions.
Applications for the ice compensation benefits will be available on the DFO website on June 23, 2007 or at DFO and Service Canada offices in the ice affected areas effective June 26, 2007.
"It is important to be clear that this is not an extension of Employment Insurance benefits; our government has designated special funds to respond to this extraordinary situation," continued Minister Hearn. "However, to ensure these funds are delivered as promptly as possible, payments will be administered by Service Canada, who are already equipped to deliver this service."
Successful applicants will be fishers who had received Employment Insurance (EI) fishing benefits in 2005 and 2006; who have exhausted fishing EI benefits in 2007 and who are currently not receiving or eligible for any EI benefits and who fish out of ports in ice-affected areas.
Fishers will receive $377 for each week of eligibility unless they have earnings from fishing which would reduce the amount payable. All applicants must have a two week period after EI benefits have been exhausted before they become eligible to receive payments under the program. The program will cover the period starting the week of May 6 and end June 23 for Newfoundland (South of Cape St. Charles) and Quebec fishers and starting the week of May 27 to July 14 for those in Labrador (North of Cape St. Charles); the periods during which fishers would have normally commenced fishing and earning fishing income. The end dates vary by area and have been established based on ice conditions and the extent of fishing activity.
For more information, fishers should call: 1-866-266-6603 or consult the DFO website at
www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ice-glace/index_e.htm.
Backgrounder:
Ice Compensation Program
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Phil Jenkins
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa
(613) 993-5413
Steve Outhouse
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa
613-992-3474
