The Prime Minister was asked in his daily COVID-19 briefing about what is being done to protect the 40 inspectors, getting sick, inspecting at meat packing plants in Canada. Justin Trudeau says the federal government knows the situation is very difficult in meat packing plants across the country.
And whether the inspectors should be ordered to work if they don’t feel safe Trudeau says its finding the balance between making sure the essential service of the food supply flows to Canadians while workers are safe and the federal government will work with labour, industry and provincial partners to ensure both goals are being achieved.
The Prime Minister in his daily COVID 19 briefing noted that the virus has been tough on fisheries using the example of a lobster fisher and that they can’t harvest lobster from their house. In addition prices and demand have gone down.
Almost 470 million dollars is being set aside and the Federal government is creating the Fish Harvesters benefit for those expecting a 25% drop in income this season. It is expected to cover 75% of losses up to about $10,000. There will also be non-repayable grants up to $10,000 for those who own their own business and for workers worried about next year, fish harvesters can apply for EI benefits based on earnings for previous years.
Justin Trudeau says there will be additional funds for food processors, farmers and aqua-culture industries he says they are launching a 100 million dollar Agriculture and Food Business Solutions Fund to Farm Credit Canada as another option to help agri-food companies facing unexpected financial strain.
The Prime Minister also encouraged Canadians to buy Canadian whether its a lobster for a special meal or cheese to support a dairy farmer.
