Madam Speaker, we are all concerned about unemployed workers in Atlantic Canada and we are working to improve their prospects. In response to the member's comments regarding access to EI, let me point out that nearly 80% of unemployed workers in New Brunswick receive EI benefits contrary to what the member continues to assert.
Second, I point out that the government is taking strong steps to help unemployed fishers and fish plant workers in Atlantic Canada. Rather than trying to set up temporary programs for those affected by the collapse of the fishery we are trying to give workers the tools and programs they need to get on with their lives. This summer we announced $730 million in fishery restructuring and adjustment measures for the Atlantic groundfishery. These measures include early retirement, active employment measures and economic development.
We also have the transitional jobs fund which has been very beneficial to Canadians living in areas of high unemployment. The transitional jobs fund has already created over 31,000 jobs. In New Brunswick alone we helped create over 2,300 jobs for New Brunswickers and we expect to create more.
Simply providing passive income support through regular EI benefits is not a sufficient response to the unemployment problem. That is why we have worked with the provinces and territories to develop labour market arrangements tailored to local and regional needs. These arrangements are aimed at providing real solutions for unemployed Canadians.
I wish to remind the member that we are transferring $228 million over three years to the Government of New Brunswick so that New Brunswickers can access programs that better respond to the particular labour market challenges of New Brunswick than was possible in the past. In addition, many social assistance recipients will have access to these programs.
This is just a highlight of the steps we have taken to help Atlantic Canadians and Canadians in the member's own province, and I can assure the House that we will continue in our efforts.