May 22, 2009
Covehead Harbour, Prince Edward Island – Hard-hit lobster fishing communities throughout Atlantic Canada and Quebec can count on additional financial support from the Harper Government's Community Adjustment Fund, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Gail Shea announced today.
"There is no question that the global recession has taken a toll on Eastern Canada's lobster fishery," said Minister Shea. "As an Islander myself, I understand all too well the kinds of strains that the collapse in lobster prices is putting on workers and families in our province and region. The Community Adjustment Fund is specifically designed to help those who are hardest hit seize new economic opportunities so they can weather this economic storm. We will be there for the people who need us most."
Minister Shea made the announcement on behalf of Minister of State responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) Keith Ashfield and Minister of State responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED-Q) Denis Lebel. The Harper government is directing $10 million from the CAF to improve marketing, assist in innovation, and develop products and technologies. The funding will be provided from the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF), through ACOA and CED-Q, for the marketing and promotion of lobster.
"This program is designed to target the hardest hit industries and communities throughout Atlantic Canada," said Minister Ashfield. "Our top priority is now to ensure this money flows to the people who need it as quickly and efficiently as possible."
"The lobster industry is important to the economy of the province of Quebec," said Minister Lebel. "Our goal is to ensure that Quebec businesses receive the help they require during these difficult economic times."
Minister Shea also announced that Governments and industry will collaborate in a lobster development council to increase domestic and international market access and support the industry in reaching the eco-certification standards necessary to increase their global markets.
"I am working closely with my federal and provincial colleagues and the industry to deliver the assistance that the lobster fishery needs to weather the global economic crisis," said Minister Shea. "By working together we will see these challenging times through."
Canada's Economic Action Plan provides $1 billion over two years for the CAF, which will help create jobs and maintain employment in affected communities. The program is being delivered across Canada by ACOA, CED-Q and other regional economic development agencies through new initiatives, existing programs, and bilateral agreements with the provinces and territories.
To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
For a profile of Canada's lobster fisheries:
http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/sustainable-durable/lobster-homard-eng.htm
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Phil Jenkins
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa
613-990-7537
Nancy Bishay
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
NR-HQ-09-21E
