Harper Government Invests in Newfoundland and Labrador Harbours

St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador – The Honourable Peter Penashue, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced today that the Government of Canada will invest in the repair and maintenance of small craft harbours in Newfoundland and Labrador.

"Our Government understands that safe fishing harbours are vitally important to the economy of many coastal communities in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Minister Penashue. “The investments we are making today will help meet the needs of commercial fishers and their communities for years to come.”

This year, Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Small Craft Harbours Program will undertake necessary dredging, repair and maintenance projects at 22 fishing harbours across Newfoundland and Labrador. Minor repair and maintenance projects will also be carried out at harbours throughout the province.

This investment is in addition to funding announced in March 2011, to support fish harvesters in storm-damaged areas in Newfoundland and Labrador, other provinces in Atlantic Canada, Quebec and Manitoba.

“This Government continues to demonstrate its commitment to renewing infrastructure at fishing harbours across Canada,” said Minister Penashue. “We are pleased to provide hard-working Canadians with the facilities they need to earn their livelihood and support their families.”

Fisheries and Oceans Canada undertakes these projects in cooperation with the local harbour authorities that manage and operate facilities for local users. Close cooperation between the Department and harbour authorities allows the federal government to continue to provide an operable system of harbours and facilities throughout Canada in support of the commercial fishing industry.

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For Broadcast:

The Government of Canada will invest $16.1 million to repair and maintain small craft harbours in Newfoundland and Labrador this year. This funding is part of a total of $57 million being provided for small craft harbours across the country, and in addition to the $71.6 million committed by the Government last March, to clean up storm-damaged fishing harbours in Atlantic Canada, Quebec and Manitoba.

Background information:

For more information:

Sam Whiffen
Communications
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
709-772-7631

Barbara Mottram
Press Secretary
Office of The Honourable Keith Ashfield
Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474

Celyeste Power
Director of Communications
Hon. Peter Penashue
613-943-1838

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