The Government of Canada Invests in Twelve Fishing Harbours in Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador and Awards Grand Bank Harbour Authority DFO Prix d’Excellence

News Release

GRAND BANK, NL - Small craft harbours play an important role in providing coastal communities and the commercial fishing industry with safe and accessible facilities. With approximately 42,500 Canadians employed in this sector, the Government of Canada is making investments that 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 Judy Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, Member of Parliament for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity, announced that the Government of Canada is investing $14.6 million in the repair and maintenance of harbour infrastructure at twelve small craft harbours in eastern Newfoundland and Labrador. 

Major projects being carried out include:

  • Bay de Verde - Completion of the reconstruction of the breakwater on the north side of the harbour and continuation of a multi-year project to reconstruct the main wharves adjacent to the fish plant.
  • Fortune - Completion of the reconstruction of a significant portion of the fish plant wharf.
  • Gooseberry Cove - Reconstruction of a breakwater.
  • Grand Bank - Completion of the reconstruction of a section of the main wharf.
  • Grates Cove - Construction of a breakwater.
  • Heart's Content - Repairs to the access, parking and storage area.
  • Lawn - Completion of the reconstruction of the marginal wharf.
  • Long Cove - Completion of the reconstruction of a marginal wharf.
  • Lumsden - Paving of the service area.
  • Musgrave Harbour - Construction of a breakwater extension.
  • Open Hall - Completion of the reconstruction of the wharf.
  • Petite Forte - Construction of a breakwater.

Minister Foote also took the opportunity, on behalf of Minister LeBlanc, to present a national Prix d’Excellence in the category of National Harbour Authority Achievement to the Harbour Authority of Grand Bank. 

The Prix d’Excellence is one of Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s most prestigious awards, honouring teams and individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the success of the Department’s Harbour Authority Program. 

Harbour Authorities are responsible for the day-to-day operations at the harbour. They have strong links to the fishing industry which depends on safe, accessible and well-managed harbours.  

The Harbour Authority of Grand Bank has demonstrated exceptional harbour management skills and strong leadership as it took initiative to address the problems associated with a large vessel abandoned at the main wharf in Grand Bank. 

The Government of Canada recognizes the volunteer members of the Harbour Authority and their dedication and commitment to the community of Grand Bank.

Quotes

“I'm pleased to announce this major investment for the commercial fishing infrastructure in eastern Newfoundland and Labrador. The work carried out will not only renew and maintain the infrastructure that is essential to the fishing industry, but also stimulate job opportunities that will benefit fishermen and support our local communities.”

“We are proud to recognize the Harbour Authority of Grand Bank with the National Harbour Authority Achievement award for its incredible and ongoing commitment to the harvesters who depend on a safe and secure harbour. Harbour users and the community benefit from their leadership. ”  

The Honourable Judy M. Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, Member of Parliament, Bonavista-Burin-Trinity

“Infrastructure investments demonstrate our government’s commitment to supporting the fishing industry—a key economic sector for Newfoundland and Labrador. We are proud of this investment, which will foster employment opportunities that benefit local workers and support coastal communities for years to come.” 

“We are also proud to formally acknowledge the great work and accomplishments of the Harbour Authority of Grand Bank. Volunteer organizations such as this one are the cornerstone of service delivery for small craft harbours.  The service they provide to fish harvesters and other harbour users is key to ensuring well-functioning harbours and essential to the livelihoods of Canadians in coastal communities.”

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

"On behalf of the Grand Bank Harbour Authority, ‎I wish to thank you for awarding us the Prix d'Excellence. Our directors are, and will continue to be dedicated and involved in the harbour operations."

Arch Evans, President of the Harbour Authority of Grand Bank

Quick Facts

  • 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 had landings valued at approximately $3.3 billion in 2015.

  • Fisheries and Oceans Canada supports more than 1,000 harbours across Canada with more than 5,000 volunteers from harbour authorities.

  • Harbour restoration projects are undertaken in cooperation with the local harbour authorities that manage and operate facilities for local users.

  • There are three Prix d’Excellence award categories for Harbour Authorities: National Individual Commitment Award, National Harbour Authority Achievement Award and National Harbour Authority Environmental Stewardship Award.

Associated Links

Contacts

Media Inquiries
Communications
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-990-7537
Media.xncr@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

 

Laura Gareau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada 
613 992 3474
Laura.Gareau@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

 

Internet: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

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