Government of Canada invests nearly $1 billion dollars in small craft harbours to grow Canada's economy and support coastal communities Français
SAMBRO, NS, May 7, 2026 /CNW/ - Small craft harbours are vital infrastructure for coastal and rural communities, supporting fishing and transportation, while support the local economies built around them. Canada's commercial fisheries, aquaculture, and seafood processing sectors support nearly 65,000 jobs -- including more than 42,900 commercial fish harvesters -- from coast to coast to coast. In 2025, Canada's fish and seafood exports totaled $8.47 billion dollars.
As announced in the Spring Economic Update 2026, almost $1 billion will be invested over five years to repair, maintain and modernize Canada's small craft harbours. This new economic investment will help build a climate-resilient, safe and future-ready harbour network across the country.
As part of the government's commitment to build Canada Strong for All, today, the Minister of Fisheries, the Honourable Joanne Thompson, announced funding for the reconstruction of wharf structure 402, a portion of the main wharf at Sambro Harbour, and floats 802.
The fishing industry is central to coastal communities across Canada, and harvesters need small craft harbours to be safe and reliable. This funding will strengthen Canada's competitiveness and economic growth while supporting the communities that depend on these harbours. As Canada transforms from economic reliance to resilience, this investment will support local economic development for generations to come.
Quotes
"Small craft harbours are the working backbone of coastal communities in Canada. This is the largest investment ever made in small craft harbours, reaffirming this new government's commitment to coastal communities, helping bring Canadian product to market. Harvesters depend on them, and the communities around them depend on harvesters. This funding will support the community of Sambro, and keep harbours safe and operational across the country, so rural and coastal economies stay strong and resilient for the long haul."
The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries
"Every Nova Scotian feels the impact of our small craft harbours, whether you're on a boat or enjoying the catch. With that in mind, today's announcement reflects more than an investment in fishing infrastructure -- it reflects an investment in the lives of Atlantic Canadians and all those who enjoy our delicious seafood."
Shannon Miedema, Member of Parliament for Halifax
"Small craft harbours are at the heart of coastal communities across Atlantic Canada--supporting families, sustaining our fishing heritage, and keeping local economies strong. By investing to repair and modernize these harbours, we're protecting livelihoods and strengthening Atlantic communities for the future."
Mike Kelloway, Member of Parliament for Sydney--Glace Bay and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport & Internal Trade
"This investment in small craft harbours is a big win for our community and for rural and coastal communities across Canada. These harbours are vital to local jobs and businesses, and this funding will keep them safe, reliable, and ready to support economic growth for years to come. I'm proud to deliver results that make a real difference here at home."
Jessica Fancy, Member of Parliament for South Shore--St. Margarets
''The fishing industry in Acadie-Annapolis is the heart of our economy; Nova Scotia seafood products are known around the world. Recognizing its importance, valuing it, and investing in the safety of our facilities is a responsible commitment that our new government unequivocally acknowledges. I am proud to have brought the voices of fishers to Ottawa and that they were heard.''
Chris d'Entremont, Member of Parliament for Acadie-Annapolis
Quick Facts
- The Spring Economic Update 2026 funding represents an increase of more than 35 per cent per year over the 10-year average, the largest sustained investment in over a decade, and provides needed stability in funding for repairs.
- This almost $1 billion in proposed funding is in addition to the Department's annual program budget of approximately $90 million a year.
- The funding will support harbour maintenance and repair across Canada, including ongoing Hurricane Fiona recovery work in Atlantic Canada and Eastern Quebec begun under the Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund and Budget 2024.
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada manage close to 950 harbours valued at approximately $7.1 billion -- infrastructure that lands and supports roughly 90 per cent of Canada's fish harvest and underpins the country's seafood economy, through DFO's Small Craft Harbours Program.
- Small craft harbours support more than 45,000 jobs in the fish and seafood industry, with thousands more in shipbuilding, processing, tourism, and the supply chains that keep rural and coastal communities running.
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SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada
Contacts: Ira Khedkar, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Fisheries, [email protected]; Media Relations: Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 613-990-7537, [email protected]
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