Communities across Canada are directly benefiting from the more than $343 million that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) is investing into job creating projects through the Harper Government’s Economic Action Plan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Gail Shea, announced today.
“Canada’s fishing and marine industries are vital to the economic future of hundreds of Canadian communities and supporting these industries must be part of Canada’s response to the global recession,” said Minister Shea. “That is why our Economic Action Plan focuses on projects that will help create jobs for Canadians today while building our fishing and marine industries for the future.”
Improvements to small craft harbours to support fishing communities
•Since Canada’s Economic Action Plan was announced on January 27, 2009, DFO has announced investments totalling $192.1 million in projects at small craft harbours throughout Canada. Major developments, harbour repairs and maintenance, and dredging projects are being undertaken to improve harbours that will support commercial fishing for years to come.
Investments in the Canadian Coast Guard fleet to support search and rescue, ice-breaking and on-ship science
•Another $112.6 million of investments in the Canadian Coast Guard have been announced to undertake major repairs and extend the service of 40 of its largest vessels, and for the design of three new inshore fisheries science vessels. These long-term investments will support Canadians and shipbuilding across Canada, and are a result of our Government’s recognition that the Coast Guard is a vital contributor to Canada’s maritime economy.
Modernized DFO labs to strengthen Canada’s network of marine research
•The Harper Government has also provided $28.2 million to modernize DFO’s laboratories and science facilities in British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Quebec. This includes $8 million invested in DFO’s Salmonid Enhancement Program facilities and hatcheries throughout British Columbia.
Another key measure of the Economic Action Plan is a two-year, $1-billion Community Adjustment Fund to support coastal communities affected by the declining global demand for seafood. To date, this fund has provided $10 million to support the development of the lobster industry in Atlantic Canada and Quebec.
Under the Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada will invest $40 billion over the next two years to support the economy and help create jobs
