Federal assistance programs for Fish Harvesters to take applications starting August 24th

Some long anticipated Federal assistance for Fish Harvesters
like those above at Fairview Floats in Prince Rupert 
is on the way  starting later this month

The long anticipated details for the Federal Government's pandemic related assistance program for Fish Harvesters were revealed today, with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans outlining the scope of the Fish Harvester Benefit and Fish Harvester Grant program, with the near one month application period to open later this month.

The programs which are expected to deliver over 469 million dollars to Canada's fish harvesters, come from an announcement by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau back in May that promised financial relief for harvesters in the Canadian fishing industry.

Today, Minister Bernadette Jordan noted of the importance of the fishing industry to Canada and noted the challenges currently behind faced by harvesters. 

 “Our fisheries operate under a unique structure and have faced distinct challenges throughout this pandemic. That’s exactly why we created the Fish Harvester Benefit and Grant Program– to meet those needs head-on. We’ve been working around the clock to develop a simple, accessible system to deliver over $469 million to Canada’s fish harvesters as smoothly and quickly as possible. That’s why it was important for us to announce this in advance of August 24th, to ensure applicants have time to prepare. Our goal is, and has always been, to get the hardworking women and men of Canada’s fisheries the support they need, and that’s exactly what we’ll continue to do.” 

The Fish Harvester Benefit will offer income support to self-employed fish harvesters and sharepersons. The benefit covers up to 75% of income losses beyond a 25% threshold for the 2020 tax year when compared to 2018 or 2019. The maximum benefit is $10,164.  

The details towards who is eligible and who is not and what you need to do to apply for the Fish Harvester Benefit can be reviewed here.

The Fish Harvester Grant is a non-repayable grant for self-employed fish harvesters with a valid commercial fishing licence in 2020, and non-deferrable business costs of up to $40,000. The grant program provides non repayable support of up to $10,000, dependent on the level of the fish harvesters’ historic fishing revenue in 2018 or 2019. A lesser grant amount may be provided on a sliding scale relative to revenue or actual expenses.

The details towards who is eligible and who is not and what you need to do to apply for the Fish Harvester Grant option can be reviewed here.

The Application period will be open from August 24, 2020 to September 21, 2020. 

Successful applicants will receive immediate notification of their payment(s) amount and their first payment will be deposited in their bank accounts within 5 business days following their application. Payments by cheques will also be issued within 5 business days with delivery of cheques subject to regular mail delivery timelines.

The full announcement from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans can be explored here.

The benefit and grant program application period arrives as the season appears to be delivering a bit of burst of activity for local harvesters, with a strong volume of fish arriving in recent weeks.

More notes related to the North Coast Fishery can be reviewed here.