Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI) - Harvester Training

Who is eligible?

• Indigenous commercial fishing enterprises (CFEs) operated by Mi’kmaq, Maliseet, and Peskotomuhkati First Nations in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and the Gaspé region of Québec
• Community-owned aquaculture enterprises managed by the above First Nations groups

Who is not eligible

• Companies and organizations that are not among the 35 Mi’kmaq, Maliseet and Peskotomuhkati First Nations in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and the Gaspé region of Québec affected by the Supreme Court of Canada Marshall Decision.

Eligible expenses

• Tuition costs for eligible fisheries and aquaculture training programs.
• Instruction and coordination fees charged by training service providers.
• Costs for teaching materials used in training sessions.
• Transport Canada exam fees and related certification expenses.

Eligible geographic areas

• Nova Scotia
• New Brunswick
• Prince Edward Island
• Gaspé region of Québec

• Alignment of project objectives with the community’s fisheries training plans and overall capacity building goals.
• Assessment of proposed training providers to ensure methodologies meet industry standards and offer good value for money.
• Completeness and clarity of the submitted application, including a detailed training plan and budget.
• Demonstration of need and justification for the proposed training at this time.
• Availability of required supporting documents, such as a letter of support from the community Chief or Band Council Resolution (BCR).

• Step 1: Collaborate with Training Advisory Coordinator
  • Contact the AICFI Program Authority to be connected with a Training Advisory Coordinator.
  • Work with the Training Advisory Coordinator to develop or update your community fisheries or aquaculture harvester training plan, ensuring it aligns with your Commercial Fishing Enterprise (CFE) objectives.
  • Identify training needs and priorities relevant to your operations.
• Step 2: Complete Application Form
  • Download and save the Harvester Training Application Form from the official program source.
  • Fill in all sections, including applicant information, confirmation of attachments and prerequisites, summary of proposed work, detailed course and training information, and costs breakdown.
  • Attach a comprehensive Fisheries Training Plan.
  • Prepare and attach a supporting letter from your community Chief or a Band Council Resolution (BCR) for your CFE.
  • Ensure proof of 25% cash contribution for at-sea mentoring (if applicable) is included.
• Step 3: Submit Application
  • Gather the completed application form and all required attachments.
  • Send the full application package to the AICFI Program Authority at the provided mailing address or email (AICFI-IPCIA.XNCR@dfo-mpo.gc.ca).
  • Ensure submission before the deadline of November 30th to secure consideration for funding.
• Step 4: Application Review and Assessment
  • The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) will review your application for completeness and alignment with program objectives.
  • If necessary, DFO or the Training Advisory Coordinator may contact you for clarifications or further information.
• Step 5: Funding Decision and Agreement
  • Once the proposal is approved and funding levels are agreed upon, a Contribution Agreement will be drafted.
  • The authorized representative of your organization must sign and return the Contribution Agreement to formalize funding approval.

• All information submitted in the application and supporting documents is treated confidentially by the Program Authority and relevant evaluators.
• Applicants are required to consult with the Training Advisory Coordinator for assistance and review prior to application submission.
• There is no cost to the applicant for the activities conducted by the Training Advisory Coordinator.
• Project expenses incurred before ratification of the Contribution Agreement are done at the applicant’s risk and are not guaranteed for reimbursement.