Gigi Osler from Manitoba.

I’m Gigi Osler from Manitoba.

Thank you for your testimony today. My question is on the labour workforce in Atlantic Canada. You made reference to the great work-life balance being a positive.

In 2020, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency reported that the percentage of women participating in the workforce in Atlantic Canada was 3.5% lower than the national average, and the majority of all fishing and fish processing workers in Canada are male.

I have two questions. First, do you have data on the gender breakdown among temporary and migrant fishing and fish processing workers? Second, what would you say are the barriers to women’s participation in the fisheries workforce in Atlantic Canada?

For the workforce that you do have data on, have you got any qualitative information, qualitative data or observations on barriers for women’s participation in the workforce?

Has the Fisheries Council had that discussion at the council level about the stereotypes or how to attract half the population or slightly more to the workforce?

Thank you.

I would request that the answer and information be provided back to us in writing; don’t answer my question now, please.

Are you aware if the industry — or does the Fisheries Council of Canada — provide any formal cultural awareness, education and training for the employers on the culture and countries of the home countries of the temporary foreign and migrant workers? Feel free to answer in writing.