Up to $469.4 million in new measures to support Canada’s fish harvesters, who are economically impacted by the pandemic but cannot access existing federal measures has been announced.
Fish Harvester Benefit
For self-employed fish harvesters and sharespersons crew who cannot access the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy.
Must have fishing income declines of greater than 25% in the 2020 tax year, compared with a reference period to be identified.
75% of fishing income losses beyond a 25% income decline threshold, up to a maximum individual entitlement of $847 per week for up to 12 weeks (matching CERB
Fish Harvester Grant
to help fish harvesters impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and who are ineligible for the Canada Emergency Business Account or equivalent measures
non-repayable support of up to $10,000 to self-employed fish harvesters with a valid fishing licence.
Size of the non-repayable support will vary depending on the level of fish harvesters’ historic revenue.
Employment Insurance (EI) changes
self-employed fish harvesters and sharespersons would be able to access EI benefits on the basis of insurable earnings from previous seasons (winter and summer claims).
Additional details on these measures will be made available soon.