Escuminac, NB -- The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans today announced that the Government of Canada is launching its program of support for the Atlantic lobster industry.
"This program demonstrates our government's commitment to taking action in support of harvesters who were seriously affected by the current economic downturn," announced Minister Shea. "The short-term measures being offered to eligible lobster fishers will provide some immediate relief."
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is now accepting applications for short term assistance from lobster license holders who have suffered significant income losses during this year's lobster fishing season as a result of the global recession. DFO is also accepting funding proposals under the Atlantic Lobster Sustainability Measures program.
As part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, on June 10, 2009, the Government of Canada committed $65 million to support the lobster industry and specified that $15 million would provide immediate one-time assistance to those fishers most affected by the global economic downturn and resulting collapse of lobster prices. The remaining $50 million was allocated to Atlantic Lobster Sustainability Measures over the next five years to help the lobster industry improve its economic prosperity and long-term sustainability.
"The longer term assistance will help ensure a more sustainable future for lobster fishers," said Minister Shea. "We have developed the program criteria in consultation with industry, First Nations and the provinces to ensure spending is accountable and targeted."
Details about the short and long-term initiatives developed to support lobster sustainability are now available on the DFO website. For more information, please see the backgrounder, Support for the Lobster Industry: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca⁄media⁄back-fiche⁄2009⁄hq-ac30-eng.htm
For further information about the short-term transitional measures, lobster license holders can also call their regional DFO headquarters at the following numbers between 8 am and 4 pm, Monday to Friday:
Gulf 1-888-854-4853
Maritimes 1-877-525-7466
Newfoundland (English) 1-877-288-5252
Newfoundland (French) 1-888-854-4853
Quebec 1-877-672-7131
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For more information, contact:
Scott Cantin
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa
613-993-5413
Nancy Bishay
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
NR-HQ-09-38E
