1. Government Programs and the Commercial Fishing Industry
Announcement by the Minister on the expansion of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). As noted in the announcement, “The expanded eligibility of the CERB now includes seasonal workers who have exhausted their Employment Insurance and are unable to undertake their usual seasonal work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recipients are now allowed to earn up to $1,000 per month while also collecting the CERB. This change will provide further support to those working in fish and seafood companies that cannot operate at full capacity due to the current environment.” See https://www.canada.ca/en/fisheries-oceans/news/2020/04/statement-from-the-minister-of-fisheries-oceans-and-the-canadian-coast-guard-on-support-to-the-fish-and-seafood-industry.html
The BC Seafood Alliance and others are working to get clarity on what government relief programs are currently available to commercial fishermen, in particular the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) which provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits, to help cover their operating costs during a period where their revenues have been temporarily reduced (to qualify, these organizations will need to demonstrate they paid between $20,000 to $1.5 million in total payroll in 2019). We hope to have a summary document by the end of this week.
2. The following websites provide some useful COVID-19 information for commercial fishermen.
DFO COVID-19 Webpage – Information for industry and partners
This website provides information on, compensation and income support programs, continuity of fisheries management, continuity of departmental functions and other matters
https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/covid19/industry-industrie/index-eng.html
3. Fish Safe COVID-19 Webpages
Fish Safe has put together a number of useful webpages on COVID-19.
Message to Fishermen: https://www.fishsafebc.com/message-to-fishermen
Resources and signage: https://www.fishsafebc.com/resources-and-signage These COVID-19 specific materials can make the job of educating your crew simpler and more effective.
Info and useful links: https://www.fishsafebc.com/info-and-useful-links
Mental health resources: https://www.fishsafebc.com/mental-health-resources
4. Document Created by NL-FHSA on COVID-19 Safe Work Practices:
https://ffaw.ca/app/uploads/2020/04/Communicable-Disease-Briefing_COVID-19-Safe-Work-Practices-.pdf
5. Consider creating COVID-19 Protocols for your fishing business
Each vessel operator should develop a written plan to address COVID-19 risks in their fishing business (including preparedness and response measures to be taken before, during and after fishing operations) to ensure they are compliant with orders and following guidance from the provincial and federal governments. Every vessel is different; you will need to tailor your plan specific to your vessel and fishing operation. If you need any assistance with this or have questions contact tiare@leewardltd.com