Money announced to help plant workers find work

The provincial government announced Wednesday it has made $2.5 million available to support plant workers in the province impacted by the downturn in the fishing industry.

Quota cuts and some plant closures this year have made it difficult for plant workers to find sufficient work.

A news release notes the funding will come from the Labour Market Development Agreement and is in addition to $500,000 for other supports available under the Integrated Transition Framework for Displaced Plant Workers.

“We have programs and services across multiple departments designed to support displaced workers in finding new employment and support to retrain or upgrade skills,” said Fisheries and Land Resources Minister Gerry Byrne.

“It is important to support the workers who are affected in our fishing sector and ensure we have a skilled workforce available when it rebounds.”

The funding will be administered by the Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment and is meant to help displaced workers find new employment. Government says it contact affected companies, communities and residents to provide information on available supports and to determine eligibility for assistance.

The news release states the funding will build on support provided through the Community Enhancement Employment Program administered through the Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment, which provides funding to eligible sponsors — including towns, Inuit Community governments, regional municipalities, local service districts, community and economic development organizations, and other non-profit organizations.

“Our government is working hard to create short-term employment opportunities for affected employees,” said Municipal Affairs Minister Andrew Parsons.

“We are committed to economic and social development in communities and will continue to work to support residents and their families as they deal with impacts to industry.”