EI for Fish Harvesters and Sharespersons ### 📋 Eligible Entities - Self-employed fish harvesters (commercial fishing operations) - Sharespersons (crew members working on a share-of-catch basis) - Individuals currently looking for work or between fishing seasons - Must have previous insurable earnings from prior fishing seasons - Canadian residents who meet Employment Insurance (EI) eligibility criteria ### 💰 Funding Details - Benefit Type: Employment Insurance (EI) income replacement - Funding Structure: Non-repayable benefits based on insurable earnings history - Calculation Basis: Benefits calculated from documented insurable earnings in previous fishing seasons - Payment Method: Direct deposits or payments from Service Canada - Duration: Varies based on accumulated insurable hours and regional unemployment rates - No matching requirement — this is a social insurance program, not a matching grant ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses This is an income support program, not a project-based grant. Benefits support: - Personal living expenses during periods without work or between seasons - Basic household costs while seeking employment or awaiting fishing season resumption - No restrictions on how beneficiaries spend EI payments (unlike project grants) ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Must register insurable earnings from previous seasons with Service Canada - Must actively seek work or demonstrate availability to fish when season opens - Cannot refuse suitable work opportunities without valid reasons - Must report earnings accurately to EI if working part-time during benefit period - Benefits may be reduced or clawed back if earnings exceed thresholds - Application processed through Service Canada (not a separate grant competition) - Eligibility reassessed each fishing season based on updated earnings records - Requires valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) and proof of Canadian residency