This is Setting Day on Prince Edward Island and lobster harvesters are at sea dumping their traps in anticipation of the first catch on Saturday. But this season is certainly a different one due to Covid 19 as the spring season was delayed by two weeks. Also, captains and crews have new protocols in place to ensure the safety of all involved. Before getting on board, all crews must be questioned about whether they or anyone in their household is experiencing symptoms.
On-board, there must be physical distancing, a minimum number of crew, soap and water for handwashing or hand sanitizer readily available, gloves worn at all times, and frequent cleaning and disinfecting of shared equipment. The safety measures were devised by the PEI Fishermen’s Association and the PEI Workers’ Compensation Board and then approved by the PEI Chief Public Health Office. Fisheries Minister Jamie Fox says they have also created relief packages to help fisheries and aquaculture operators navigate the changing market conditions and other economic challenges related to COVID-19.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HELP FOR FISHING INDUSTRY
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced $469.4 million in new measures for Canada’s fish harvesters who are being impacted by the pandemic.
Last month the $62.5 million Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund was announced as the first step.
The Fisher Harvester benefit will total $267.6 million which will support those who see declines of fishing income over 25 per cent. It will provide $847 per week for up to 12 weeks.
The Fish Harvester Grant is also included and is worth up to $201.8 million that will provide grants to help fishers who are eligible for the Canada Emergency Business Account.
It will provide up to $10-thousand for self-employed fishermen with a valid fishing licence.
Fishers may also access EI benefits based on insurable earnings from previous seasons.
FERRY SERVICE BEGINS FOR TRUCKERS
The Northumberland Ferry service has its first crossings for the 2020 season beginning today. The service will be for truckers sailing between Wood Islands and Caribou. Premier Dennis King says this welcome news, especially for eastern PEI. He says truckers will be hauling important goods to and from the province. The Premier says he has worked with the Public Health Department and federal minister Lawrence MacAulay to make this happen.
Sailing times will be twice daily from both terminals from Sunday to Friday. There will be no service on Saturdays. Traffic will be monitored closely and reservations may be required as service progresses.
From Wood Islands: 6.30 a.m. and 2.45 p.m.
From Caribou: 11.15 a.m. and 6.00 p.m.
COVID-19 UPDATE
Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam says over 35-thousand patients have recovered from COVID-19 or 49 per cent of cases across the country. She says there have been over 72-thousand positive cases which has resulted in over 53-hundred deaths.
PEI has had 27 cases reported and all have recovered. PEI’s Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison is scheduled to given a provincial update this afternoon (1.3o p.m.).
SERVICES RESUMING
PEI’s Minister of Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy Steven Myers has given an update on government services that have resumed or will resume on Friday, May 22nd.
Access PEI services in Souris, Charlottetown, Summerside and O’Leary reopened this week as well as EfficiencyPEI offices in Summerside and Charlottetown.
As of May 19, Island Waste Management Corporation (IWMC) will begin to accept additional items at their Waste Watch Drop-Off Centres and the East Prince Waste Management Facility.
Beginning May 22, PEI Cannabis retail stores will open with limited hours. Provincial courts in Georgetown, Charlottetown and Summerside will resume on a limited schedule. All provincial liquor stores across the province will reopen on May 25. Also, Minister of Finance Darlene Compton announced an increase to the COVID-19 Emergency Contingency Fund bringing the fund to $75 million Compton also says a $50 million special warrant was recently approved to help the province address the continuing financial challenges faced by Islanders and industries.
SPECIAL FUND FOR SOME ESSENTIAL WORKERS
Essential workers on PEI who earn $3-thousand each month or less over a four-week period are eligible to receive $1,000 in support in partnership between PEI and the federal government. Finance Minister Darlene Compton says employers can submit applications on behalf of employees online by going to the provincial government webpage. It’s under the COVID-19 Special Situation Fund for individuals. There is $16.7 million available in the special fund.
UPEI GRADUATION
The Class of 2020 at UPEI is being celebrated today with a list of all graduates and senior class award winners at www.UPEI.ca Graduates are being emailed a special congratulatory video message from their respective deans. The university will also courier graduates with their degree parchments and alumni pins. UPEI alumni will also grow to over 26-thousand.
UPEI’S ELLSWORTH UP FOR NATIONAL AWARD
UPEI MVP and all-star basketball player Jenna Mae Ellsworth is one of four nominees for the U Sports female athlete of the year for 2019-20. Ellsworth helped lead the Panthers to the AUS championship and a bronze medal at the nationals in March. The winner will be announced on June 25th. Voting begins on June 9th and is open to the public.
