Province introduces enhanced oyster industry support
The Government of Prince Edward Island is enhancing support for the Island’s oyster industry to help manage the impacts of MSX and Dermo, while protecting jobs in rural and coastal communities.
Existing programs, including the Oyster Fishers Training Fund and the Oyster Growers Income Stabilization Program, will continue. Building on these, the province is introducing several new initiatives to address emerging pressures across the sector.
The new Oyster Relief Wage Assistance Program will help offset a portion of payroll costs associated with increased sorting and handling requirements, while supporting the retention of current employees with valuable on-the-job experience. The program will support fishers, growers, and processors, while providing greater certainty for workers heading into the spring and summer processing season.
An Oyster Industry Interest Relief Program will also be introduced to help cover interest costs on existing term debt loans taken out before May 1, 2026, for those who have experienced losses of at least 30 per cent. Up to $3 million will be provided to lenders on behalf of eligible businesses. Finance PEI will also continue to work directly with fishers, growers, and processors in affected areas to help ease immediate financial pressure, including the deferral of loan payments.
Together, these measures are designed to reduce financial strain, allowing businesses to focus on adapting while longer-term solutions are developed. Application processes will be streamlined to ensure timely and efficient delivery of funding across all programs.
To ensure support is fair, transparent, and effective across the sector, an advisory committee has been established to provide guidance on program parameters and distribution. The committee includes representation from the provincial government, PEI Aquaculture Alliance, PEI Seafood Processors Association, PEI Oyster Processors Association, and the PEI Shellfish Association.
In addition, the provincial government will cover fees for oyster fishers at sites where trailers are parked during the season.
For more information on eligibility and how to apply, visit princeedwardisland.ca/oysterindustrysupports.
Quotes:
“The uncertainty created by MSX and Dermo is deeply concerning for oyster fishers, growers, processors, and the families and communities that depend on this industry. These targeted supports are about protecting jobs today while giving the sector the stability it needs to adapt and recover. We are committed to being there for Islanders through this challenge and to ensuring the oyster industry remains a strong part of our economy for the long term.”
- Premier of Prince Edward Island Rob Lantz
“Our oyster industry is facing real and immediate pressures, and the impacts of MSX and Dermo are being felt right across the supply chain. Industry has been clear about the need for timely, practical support. These programs are designed to respond to current realities, help businesses manage uncertainty, and ensure we are standing alongside harvesters, growers, and processors as they navigate an extremely difficult period.”
- Minister of Fisheries, Rural Development and Tourism Ernie Hudson
“We recognize the uncertainty facing the oyster industry and the impact this has on the sector and the workforce. The Oyster Relief Wage Assistance Program is focused on keeping skilled workers employed and supporting growers and fishers during a highly uncertain season. By supporting wages when operations are under strain, we are helping stabilize workplaces, retain experience in the sector, and ensure Island workers can continue to work in their communities.”
- Minister of Workforce and Advanced Learning Zack Bell
“In this time of crisis, we are taking a whole-of-government approach to provide a comprehensive relief package for a sector that has given so much to our Island. By covering interest costs and deferring payments, we are working directly with impacted fishers, growers, and processors to understand their unique circumstances. This is more than much needed financial relief; it is our commitment to an industry that will bounce back, overcome these challenges, and emerge even stronger to resume its rightful place as a key economic driver for PEI.”
- Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Artificial Intelligence Jenn Redmond
Media contacts:
April Gallant
Senior Communications Office / Fisheries, Rural Development and Tourism
aldgallant@gov.pe.ca
Vicki Tse
Senior Communications Officer / Economic Development, Trade and Artificial Intelligence
vickitse@gov.pe.ca
Brooke Miller
Senior Communications Officer / Workforce and Advanced Learning
bmmiller@gov.pe.ca
Backgrounder:
- Prince Edward Island is a cornerstone of the Canadian shellfish industry, as 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 over 1,000 people working in the oyster industry with an estimated 250 active oyster fishers, 300 oyster growers, and 18 oyster processors in PEI.
- To date, the Government of Prince Edward Island has provided over $12 million to support the Island’s oyster industry in response to the discovery of MSX and Dermo. This includes surveillance and monitoring programs, diagnostic testing, nursery equipment, industry-led adaptation and mitigation projects, plus approximately $6.34 million in direct support to industry members.
- In fiscal year 2025-2026, the Oyster Growers Income Stabilization Program approved a total of $1.17 million to 33 oyster growers. The program will be continued in fiscal year 2026-2027 with a budget of $3 million.
- $1.46 million is budgeted for the Oyster Relief Wage Assistance Program.
- $3 million is budgeted for the Oyster Industry Interest Relief Program
- The Fisher Assistance Program and Aquaculture Farm Assistance Program, an initiative of the Government of Prince Edward Island and industry associations, provides confidential counselling services to the industry, their families, and employees. Confidential services are available free of charge 24 hours a day by calling a counselling coordinator 902-894-8006 or toll-free 1-800-736-8006.