Prime Minister announces $62.5 million for seafood processors

Prime Minister announces $62.5 million for seafood processors
CHEK

Fish and seafood processors are going to get some financial support from the federal government.

During his morning address on Saturday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced $62.5 million in financial support for fish and seafood processors.

Processors will be able to use the money to purchase personal protective equipment for their employees, adapt to health protocols and support other social distancing measures. The money can also be used to purchase new equipment, such as freezers or storage space.

“As we fight COVID-19, people who work in fish and seafood processing plants across are playing a crucial role when it comes to getting food to our tables,” Trudeau said on Saturday. “This funding will help ensure that they can safely continue their important work.”

Although Trudeau’s address was brief, he mentioned that the federal government is working with public health officers to establish standards and guidelines for the country moving forward. He said reopening will be different for each province and territory, but that needs to be a coordinated approach from the national level to avoid “any confusion.”

“We are working together on a plan based on science, data and expert advice that lays out our common ambition to see our country through this,” he said. “If we don’t get the next phase, we risk losing all the progress we’ve made so far.”

During the media question period of the address, Trudeau touched on the federal and provincial governments’ role when it comes to reopening the Canadian economy. He said the federal government is working with provincial governments to create a “base level” criteria and guidelines for them to reopen, but stressed that provinces will take “a lead role” in reopening their own economies.

 

Nicholas PescodNicholas Pescod

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