N.L. Government Provides Assistance to Workers Affected by Closure of Cottlesville Fish Plant

Following a request made by the Town of Cottlesville on behalf of plant workers in the area, former employees of the Breakwater Fisheries Ltd. plant in Cottlesville have been deemed eligible for workforce adjustment measures by the Newfoundland and Labrador Cabinet Committee on Fisheries Issues.

The plant has not operated since December 2014.

“Under the Integrated Transition Framework for Displaced Plant Workers our government is committed to helping individuals and communities overcome the closure of fish plants, which often serve as the largest single employer in a rural community. The transitional supports we are making available to these workers will enable them to access services to help them participate in retraining or skill development for future employment opportunities,” said Steve Crocker, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture

The Integrated Transition Framework for Displaced Plant Workers is a multi-departmental program established to respond to communities and individuals impacted by fish plant closures. It provides one-time transitional employment assistance and offers participants access to transitional counseling services to better prepare for future employment opportunities. Further details are provided in the chart below.

“We understand this is a challenging time for people in the region impacted by the closure of the fish plant in Cottlesville. Through programs such as the Fish Plant Worker Employment Support Program, along with economic development and career counseling services, our government will help support workers in their efforts to find new employment opportunities which enhance the economic and social development of their communities,” Explained Eddie Joyce, Minister of Municipal Affairs

Information sessions for affected workers will be held in Cottlesville in the coming weeks. For more information about the Integrated Transition Framework for Displaced Plant Workers visit www.fishaq.gov.nl.ca/industry_renewal.