The Government of Canada Invests in Small Craft Harbours Infrastructure in the Province of Quebec

SAINTE-THÉRÈSE-DE-GASPÉ, QC, Nov. 16, 2018 /CNW/ - Coastal communities across Canada are supported by small craft harbours that provide the commercial fishing industry with safe and accessible facilities. With approximately 44,000 Canadians employed in this sector, the Government of Canada is making investments to renew its network of small craft harbours and work with municipalities and other stakeholders where investments can enhance local communities.

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Gaspésie—Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine, on behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced that the Government of Canada is investing $16 million in small craft harbour improvement projects across Quebec.

The investment will cover repairs to 24 small craft harbours across the province. Repairs will include:

• Wharf construction and upgrades;
• Breakwater construction or repairs;
• Channel and basin dredging; and,
• Launch ramp reconstruction.

Quotes

"Investments that help improve communities are a priority for our Government. When we invest in the community, Canadians and the Canadian economy benefit. Small Craft Harbour investments demonstrate our government's commitment to local economies.  We are proud of this investment to support the fishing industry—a key economic sector that helps support coastal communities across the country."

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

"I'm pleased to announce this major investment for our province. Investing in the local small craft harbours helps not just the commercial fishing industry, but the communities in Quebec as a whole. With these investments, our government affirms its supports to the fishing industry, one of the most important industries in Gaspésie—Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine. The work carried out will not only renew and maintain essential infrastructure, but also stimulate job opportunities and contribute to the growth of our region."

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Gaspésie—Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada is investing $250 million over two years to renew its network of small craft harbours and work with municipalities and other stakeholders to enhance local communities, economies and foster job creation.
• This is in addition to $100 million that will be invested in 2018-19 for repairs, maintenance, construction, and dredging at core commercial fishing harbours across Canada.
• The mandate of Fisheries and Oceans Canada's Small Craft Harbours Program is to keep harbours critical to the commercial fishing industry open and in good repair.
• Small craft harbours provide critical support to the commercial fishing industry, which had landings valued at almost $3.4 billion in 2017.
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada supports more than 1000 harbours across Canada with more than 5000 volunteers from harbour authorities.
• Harbour restoration projects are undertaken in cooperation with the local harbour authorities that manage and operate facilities for local users.
• The Small Craft Harbours Program also aims to transfer ownership and operation of recreational harbours to interested third parties who are best placed to operate them effectively and responsively to the needs of the local economy.
• Since 1995, Fisheries and Oceans Canada has successfully divested over 1,100 harbours across the country.

Associated Links

• For more information on Fisheries and Oceans Canada's Small Craft Harbours Program: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sch-ppb/home-accueil-eng.htm.

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SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada

Jocelyn Lubczuk, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, 613-992-3474, [email protected]; Media Relations, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 613-990-7537, [email protected]