Prince Edward Island Fishermen's Assoc.

Minister Announces Future Fishers Program

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, November 17, 2009 - Fisheries,
Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Neil LeClair announced today
the launch of a Future Fishers Program. The program will provide new
entrants to the lobster fishery a combination of assistance ranging from
training to interest relief. The budget for the new program is $100,000
annually.
"This program is part of the provincial government's ongoing
commitment to the lobster fishery and to rural Prince Edward Island,"
said Minister LeClair. "It will enable new entrants to become more
knowledgeable in all aspects of the fishery and to be better positioned
for success."
The program will provide formal training in areas such as marine
operations, lobster biology and management, seafood processing and
marketing, and financial management. Each applicant will be eligible for
assistance of $1,000 towards the cost of training. The interest rebate
component will provide up to $3,000 a year over a three-year period.
The program is retroactive to January 1, 2009. Those who
purchased a Class A lobster license after that date, or who have
demonstrated that 2009 was their first fishing year, are residents of
Prince Edward Island and are over the age of 18 are eligible to apply.
Those who are working towards the ownership of a fishing fleet may apply
for assistance for the training programs.
"As the average age of fishers in this province continues to
rise, the Future Fishers program will assist in attracting young people
into the fishery," said Minister LeClair. "At the same time, it will
better equip them with the knowledge and skills they require to
participate successfully in this increasingly complex and competitive
industry."

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For more information contact:
Wayne MacKinnon
368-4888

Visit our web site at http://www.gov.pe.ca/