Less than a year after being appointed as the Secretary-Treasurer of the Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union (FFAW-Unifor), Jamie Baker has shifted to take on the role of executive director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Professional Fish Harvester’s Certification Board (PFHCB).
Baker announced his departure in late May. He was scheduled to begin in his new role on July 3.
“We’re sad to see him go but we understand it’s a bit more stability,” said Dwan Street, president of the FFAW.
“I think it’s good for both organizations. Mark Dolomount is retiring. He has been around for a long time. It’s important to have someone in that position that has industry knowledge and Jamie has been around for a while. I think having somebody down there who is solid and that we know will be a relief for everybody,” said Street.
The FFAW will call for nominations to fill the secretary-treasurer position after Baker’s departure in July.
Any member in good standing can be nominated and if there is more than one nomination there will be an election, said Street.
Nominations are usually open for about two weeks. Then the election committee has to vet any members who do apply to make sure they are in good standing. If an election is required, it will be held within 30 days.
Baker was elected to the secretary-treasurer position by acclamation in September, 2025. Previously he served as a FFAW Member Representative for 3Ps.
The PFHCB is a non-profit organization created by and operating for the benefit of all Newfoundland and Labrador fish harvesters.
When the Board became functional in 1997, the DFO registration system and its categories of full-time/part-time fisherman was replaced with the new designations of Apprentice Fish Harvester, Professional Fish Harvester Level I, and Professional Fish Harvester Level II.
The two organizations often work together as project partners. Along with the N.L. Fish Harvesting Safety Association (NL-FHSA), the FFAW and the PFHCB launched the Fishing Industry New Entrants Initiative (FINEI) on June 16.
FINEI aims to attract young people to a career in the inshore commercial fishery as the industry faces an aging workforce. With provincial seafood landings exceeding $1.3 billion in 2025, the fishing industry remains one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s most important economic drivers and offers visible, rewarding careers for those interested in life and work in coastal communities.
Funded by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Labour Market Partnerships Program, FINEI includes a comprehensive outreach strategy that will engage secondary school students, newcomers and skilled trades workers throughout the province.
Delivered by FFAW-Unifor in partnership with the PFHCB and the NL-FHSA, the initiative allocates $1.2 million over three years to support efforts to recruit and retain both crew members and owner/operators to fill over 3,000 expected openings over the next decade.
“The funding comes at a pivotal time when our inshore fishery is facing serious demographic challenges due to an aging workforce. The government’s investment in this project is a strong signal that they’re committed to protecting our fishery for the future,” said Street in a media release. “With project funding exceeding $1.2 million, the provincial government’s investment will allow for significantly increased engagement with secondary schools, trade schools and new Canadian associations.”
The FFAW-Unifor’s Young Harvesters Committee, established in late 2025, will help oversee the project alongside a governance committee and a dedicated project coordinator.
