Harper Government Announces Investment in Harbours for the Fishing Industry in Newfoundland and Labrador
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador – The Honourable Peter Penashue, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, 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 $12.3 million in repair, maintenance and construction projects at small craft harbours in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“Our Government is working to prepare Canada’s fishing industry for the future,” said Minister Penashue. “We are pleased to invest in these harbours for hardworking fishermen and women in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
“Our Government is committed to making sure that fishermen have safe and well-kept harbours across the country. Never before has such high priority been placed on Small Craft Harbours nor have infrastructure investments been so extensive,” said Minister Ashfield. “Fishermen and women contribute to a healthy economy and we are pleased to provide them with the harbour infrastructure they need to earn a living and support their families.”
This year’s investment of $51.7 million will fund major repair, maintenance and construction projects, as well as dredging, at approximately 95 fishing harbours in Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Manitoba and British Columbia. In addition to these major projects, minor repairs and maintenance projects will proceed throughout the year as needed.
In recent years, the Government of Canada has made significant investments in small craft harbours. In 2007, permanent annual funding for the Small Craft Harbours Program was increased by $20 million. Canada’s Economic Action Plan, announced in Budget 2009, provided $200 million over two years to accelerate maintenance and repairs and carry out necessary dredging at small craft harbours across the country. In March 2011, an investment of $71.6 million was announced to clean-up and repair storm-damaged small craft harbours in Atlantic Canada, Quebec and Manitoba.
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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Background information:
Investment in Small Craft Harbours in Newfoundland and Labrador
For more information:
Sam Whiffen
Communications Officer
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
709-772-7631
Barbara Mottram
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
NR-HQ-12-21E
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