Our MP Niki Ashton recently brought up concerns she had with Manitoba Fisheries during question period, she stated that import markets for Manitoba fish have dried up and fishers are desperate for support.

When she asked if the Federal Government will work with inland fishers and the fresh water fish marketing corporation to develop and deliver an emergency package that works for them and find ways to redirect products to domestic markets including communities facing food insecurity,

Bernadette Jordan Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard responded by saying she recognized how hard the COVID 19 pandemic has hit Canadian fishers, pointing out that the harvesters benefit allows all harvesters to take advantage of a grant contribution to help them through this difficult time.

Fishers can now qualify for EI benefit based on previous seasons.

She added that they are continuing to look at ways to address challenges in the fishing industry.