As part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to growing the economy, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, has been in Rivière-au-Renard, Quebec’s fisheries capital, to announce significant investments in fishing harbours across the Gaspé Peninsula.
Over the next three years, $50.2 million will be invested to ensure that the region’s fish harvesters and fishing industry have access to safe harbour infrastructure that meets their needs.
‘Small craft harbours are the backbone of our vibrant fishing communities across the country, including here in the Gaspé Peninsula. As a country with the longest coastline in the world, we need to invest in resilient harbour infrastructure that can cope with the climate challenges of today and tomorrow,’ Diane Lebouthillier said.
‘It is not only a question of economic development, but also of food security. With Budget 2024, we are giving ourselves the means to achieve our ambitions, by providing our fish harvesters with modern harbours, where their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will perpetuate our most beautiful maritime traditions.’
These investments will make it possible, in particular, to repair the main breakwater at the Rivière-au-Renard wharf, which was damaged in December 2022 following a severe winter storm. They will also make it possible to begin the process of divesting the Sainte-Madeleine-de-la-Rivière-Madeleine wharf.
The 2024 budget aims to invest $463.3 million over three years, starting in 2024-2025, to repair and maintain small craft harbours, including those damaged by Hurricane Fiona. This funding is in addition to the $90-million annual budget that the Department has committed for these harbours.
