Ottawa is providing millions of dollars in funding to help fish processors and ensure the safety of plant workers, but the FFAW says the package doesn’t go far enough.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Saturday $62.5-million to support fish and seafood processors during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Trudeau says plant workers play a crucial role in bringing food to families across the country and this support will allow these people to continue working safely.

This support will be used by processors to purchase PPE for workers, adapt to new health protocols and support other social-distancing measures.

The Prime Minister says the money may be used by fish processing plants to buy equipment like freezers or storage space so their product can stay good while adapting to a changing market.

FFAW President Keith Sullivan says this funding is a good first step, but does nothing to support fish harvesters.

Last week the union made recommendations to Federal Fisheries Minister, Bernadette Jordan including that EI benefits be extended and 2020 commercial fishing fees be waved.

Sullivan says delays in the fisheries and market challenges will result in financial hardship for fish harvesters and plant workers, and he is calling for federal support for those who have fallen through the cracks of federal programs.