Closed
Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI) - Harvester Training
Supports Indigenous commercial fisheries training and capacity development
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Funding available
Up to 75% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : November 30, 2025
Location
Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Canada
Overview
The Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI) Harvester Training program provides funding to support Mi’kmaq, Maliseet, and Peskotomuhkati First Nations in their efforts to train commercial fishing and aquaculture workers, covering up to 100% of eligible in-class training costs and up to 75% of at-sea mentoring expenses. The initiative aims to build capacity, improve safety, and ensure sustainable management of communal commercial fisheries enterprises through a wide range of industry-recognized training activities.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Obtain certifications or accreditations
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Up to 75% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : November 30, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Location
- Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine
- New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Training commercial fishing crews to operate vessels safely and effectively.
- Training aquaculture workers in essential skills and operations.
- Developing and implementing fisheries or aquaculture training plans for community fishing enterprises.
- Providing practical skills development and at-sea mentoring for new fishing vessel operators and crew.
- Offering specialized workshops and hands-on training relevant to commercial fisheries and aquaculture operations.
Eligibility
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
Additional information
- 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.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI) - Harvester Training Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI) - Harvester Training. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI) - Harvester Training?
The Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI) Harvester Training program provides funding to support Mi’kmaq, Maliseet, and Peskotomuhkati First Nations in their efforts to train commercial fishing and aquaculture workers, covering up to 100% of eligible in-class training costs and up to 75% of at-sea mentoring expenses. The initiative aims to build capacity, improve safety, and ensure sustainable management of communal commercial fisheries enterprises through a wide range of industry-recognized training activities.
How much funding can be received?
Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI) - Harvester Training Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI) - Harvester Training program?
To be eligible for the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI) - Harvester Training program, you must:
Available to 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 Marshall Decision.
Applicant must operate a communal fishing enterprise (CFE).
Project activities must align with the CFE’s training plan and capacity-building objectives.
What expenses are eligible under Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI) - Harvester Training?
Training commercial fishing crews to operate vessels safely and effectively.
Training aquaculture workers in essential skills and operations.
Developing and implementing fisheries or aquaculture training plans for community fishing enterprises.
Providing practical skills development and at-sea mentoring for new fishing vessel operators and crew.
Offering specialized workshops and hands-on training relevant to commercial fisheries and aquaculture operations.
Who can I contact for more information about the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI) - Harvester Training?
You can contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) by email at AICFI-IPCIA.XNCR@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
Where is the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI) - Harvester Training available?
The Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI) - Harvester Training program is available Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec.
Is the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI) - Harvester Training a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI) - Harvester Training is a Grant and Funding