Province introduces training and employment support for Island oyster fishers
Two new assistance programs for Island oyster fishers will support those directly affected by the prevalence of MSX and Dermo in Island waters.
The Oyster Fishers Training Fund will assist impacted fishers by providing funding for retraining opportunities. Through this fund, industry members can access financial aid to cover tuition and basic living expenses while participating in programs that help them transition to long-term, sustainable employment.
The Employment Support Program for Oyster Fishers will provide wage reimbursement to employers hiring impacted fishers. Employers hiring eligible individuals may receive a wage reimbursement of 50 per cent, up to a maximum of $8,000 per individual.
“The Island’s oyster industry is a backbone of our rural communities and local economies, but MSX and Dermo are complex, unpredictable diseases that are reshaping the future of the industry. As a government, our goal is to work with industry to ensure it has stability while safeguarding the long-term viability of the sector.”
— Minister of Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture, Zack Bell
Prince Edward Island is the largest oyster producer in Eastern Canada, and the second-largest oyster producer in Canada. In 2024, combined landed value of oysters from both commercial fishery and aquaculture operations in PEI exceeded $27 million, translating to an estimated $54 million in total economic value to PEI. There are an estimated 250 active oyster fishers, 300 oyster growers, and 18 oyster processors in PEI.
The province is allocating approximately $1.3 million to fund the programs which will be administered through SkillsPEI. For information, and to apply, interested applicants are asked to call 1-877-491-4766.
“This industry is facing significant challenges, and support is essential. Through SkillsPEI, the two new programs will provide targeted assistance to protect livelihoods, sustain businesses, and help communities work through these difficult times.”
— Minister of Workforce, Advanced Learning and Population, Jenn Redmond
To date, the Province of Prince Edward Island has committed over $4 million to support the Island’s oyster industry through the discovery of MSX and Dermo, supporting areas such as surveillance and monitoring programs, diagnostic testing, nursery equipment, industry-led adaptation projects, staffing and wage subsidies, and mental health support services.
Additional support programs to help stabilize oyster growers’ income and assist processors with risk mitigation will be announced in the coming days. The province is working to secure joint support from the federal government for these programs; however, the provincial government is committed to providing the funding required to ensure these initiatives move forward.
For more information on supports, click here.
Media contact:
April Gallant
Department of Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture
aldgallant@gov.pe.ca
Backgrounder:
Initiatives (to date)
| Approved Initiatives | Estimated Costs |
| Oyster Disease Surveillance and Monitoring Program | $820,000 |
| Consulting Services | $150,000 |
| Establishment of the Canadian Atlantic Shellfish Disease Research Coordination Network | $50,000 |
| Legislative Drafter (Aquaculture Act) | $180,000 |
| PEI Shellfish Association Nursery Equipment | $322,522 |
| UPEI AVC Disease Control and Diagnostic Testing Capacity | $632,500 |
| PEI Aquaculture Alliance Shelf-Life Project | $67,693 |
| Oyster Disease Adaptation and Mitigation Program | $500,000 |
| Training and Employment Support Programs for Oyster Fishers | $1,300,000 |
| $4,022,715 |