OREANDA-NEWS. August 31, 2016. Small craft harbours play an important role in providing coastal communities and the commercial fishing industry with safe and accessible facilities. With more than 76,000 Canadians employed in this sector, the Government of Canada is making investments that will continue to support the growth of this industry and provide economic opportunities for middle-class Canadians.

On behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Member of Parliament for Cardigan, announced that the Government of Canada is investing \\$7.2 million this year in the repair and maintenance of a number of small craft harbours in eastern Prince Edward Island. Three of these harbours will see their investment extend into future years for an additional \\$4.8 million.

Investments being made include ongoing work at Annandale.

Annandale – Constructing an L shaped wharf at the east side of the harbour along with armour stone protection on the outside, dredging and constructing a containment cell.

Quick Facts

  • The Government of Canada is investing \\$289 million this year in Canadian small craft harbours, including funding recently announced in Budget 2016.
  • The mandate of the 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 contributed \\$6 billion to the Canadian economy in 2015.
  • 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.

Quotes

“I'm really proud to announce this major investment for commercial fishing infrastructure in eastern Prince Edward Island. It’s about investing in people, promoting inclusive growth and building stronger communities. The work carried out will not only renew and maintain the infrastructure that is essential to the region, but also stimulate job opportunities that will benefit fishermen and support our municipalities.”

The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Member of Parliament, Cardigan

“Infrastructure investment is a priority for our Government. It is good for all Canadians and good for the Canadian economy. It’s just one more example of the federal government’s commitment to promote the fishing industry—a key economic sector for a number of regions. We are proud of this investment, which will foster employment opportunities that benefit local workers and support coastal communities across the country for years to come.”

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard