Thank you to the PHMA and BC Seafood Alliance for the following summary:
THE DEADLINE FOR THE FISH HARVESTER BENEFIT AND GRANT PROGRAMS HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO OCTOBER 19, 2020 – SEE EMAIL BELOW FROM DFO. IF YOU INTEND TO APPLY FOR ONE OF THESE PROGRAMS, APPLY NOW!! DO NOT WAIT TO THE DEADLINE.
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW:
If you run into problems with your application, you must make sure you have a file number from Service Canada’s help line as issues can likely be fixed after the Monday deadline if you have a Service Canada file number. The government help line can be reached at 1.833.674.8283.
How to resolve some of the most common problems with the harvester grant and benefit where they appear to qualify and then get kicked out by the system:
Scenario
A harvester applies corporately. In that case, it is the corporation’s FIN that must go on the form, not the individual’s. Some harvesters do not realize there is a corporate FIN. In this case, call DFO licencing to get your corporate FIN.
Scenario
If a harvester who is a shareholder (multiple people on one licence) applies and self-identifies as a harvester and not a shareperson, he/she is taking the wrong path in the application. The system may tell them that they have qualified for the benefit and the grant, but their FIN will not be accepted since it is not the sole FIN connected to the application. The application cannot be submitted and the applicant will need to go back and correctly self-identify as a shareperson. This should send them on the right path and let them complete and submit the application correctly.
One of the complications is confusion over what other programs applicants may have applied for which could render them ineligible. Important to understand whether you have applied for CEWS, CEBA or CERB because the implications are different. Applicants have been disqualified because they were confused on this. It is very difficult to correct an application so people need to get it right the first time.
The FAQs on the DFO website are very helpful (http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fisheries-peches/initiatives/fhgbp-ppsp/faq-eng.html). Work through this first.
The helpline, 1.833.674.8283, should help with more difficult issues. The earlier in the day you can call the better; otherwise you will be on hold for hours and it may take a day or two to get answers. Write down in advance of talking to the hotline exactly what the problem is so you can explain clearly, especially if you are mixing personal and corporate claims.
Third parties (accountant, family member) can apply on your behalf if they have access to the required information.