Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Hunter Tootoo, has announced that the Government of Canada is about to invest $289 million in small craft harbours across the country in 2016 – 2017.
Speaking in Eastern Passage, Nova Scotia, he said that this includes $32 million of the $149 million allocated to small craft harbours in the 2016 Budget.
‘Infrastructure investment is a priority of the Government of Canada. It is good for Canadians and good for the Canadian economy,’ he said. ‘We are proud to announce this investment that will help to renew and preserve local harbour infrastructure, and foster local employment opportunities in coastal communities across Canada for years to come.’
He commented that small craft harbours are crucial infrastructure for Canada’s commercial fishing industry, providing coastal communities with safe and reliable access points. This investment in Canada’s harbours will support this vital industry by ensuring facilities are in good repair and available for commercial fish harvesters and all harbour users.
Harbour investments across Canada will address infrastructure rust out and operational needs and benefit fish harvesters by ensuring safe berthage and navigational access, as well as adequate wave protection and offloading facilities.
‘I’m very pleased to have the Minister here today to make this national announcement in Eastern Passage,’ said Darrell Samson, MP for Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook. ‘These improvements will ensure the infrastructure of our harbour will continue to serve the needs of our fishing and marine community for years to come.’
Canada’s commercial fishing industry contributed $6 billion to the Canadian economy in 2015 and approximately 76,000 Canadians are employed in Canada’s commercial fishing industry.
The Government of Canada is responsible for keeping more than 1000 small craft harbours across Canada open and in good repair.
