The FFAW says it welcomes new rules on parental leave coming into effect on January 1st for fishery workers in eastern Canada.

Licence holders will be able to have a substitute run their fishing business when they are either pregnant or new parents so that they can continue to earn a living while they are taking care of their young ones.

The federal minister of fisheries, Diane Lebouthillier, says Canadians shouldn’t have to choose between raising a family and their job. That is especially true for those who work in Canada’s fishing industry, where it is as much a culture and lifestyle as a job, she says.

FFAW President Dwan Street says the current rules allow the skipper of an enterprise, whether they’re male or female, a designation of 120 days. The changes coming into effect on January 1st will extend full parental benefits to the industry in eastern Canada.