Ottawa –The Department of Fisheries and Oceans launched the Short-Term Transitional Measures program on September 22, 2009 to assist qualified low-income lobster licence holders who have experienced financial hardship due to the global economic downturn of 2007-2009. Since launching the program, DFO has distributed more than $4.8 million to almost a thousand lobster harvesters in communities throughout Atlantic Canada and Quebec.
"I am grateful that we have been able to provide some short-term support to those lobster fishers most severely impacted over the past year and I encourage those who have not yet applied to do so," said the Honourable Gail Shea, federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. "Looking at the long term, the major focus of our investment is the development of a self-reliant and economically viable lobster sector. It is encouraging to note that we have healthy and sustainable lobster stocks throughout Canada's eastern shores that we can build on for the future. I am also pleased to note several recent developments, such as the founding of the Lobster Council of Canada, that signal a real sea change in the industry."
As of November 8, 987 applications have been approved for total funding of $4,848,772. About 95% of that has already been disbursed in cheques to harvesters in Quebec and the Atlantic Provinces.
Canada's Atlantic lobster industry employs about 30,000 Canadians, while lobster exports generate more than $1 billion worth of revenue each year. The Government of Canada has provided more than $75 million in new funding to the industry in 2009.
Applicants can apply to the STTM program until January 31, 2010. For information about this program, visit: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/lobster.
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For more information:
Alain Belle-Isle
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-09-46E
