Coastal communities across Canada are supported by small craft harbours that provide the commercial fishing industry with safe and accessible facilities.

“I'm thrilled to announce this major investment for our province. Investing in our local small craft harbours helps not just the commercial fishing industry, but the communities in New Brunswick as a whole. I am proud that we are investing in people, promoting inclusive growth and building stronger communities. This work will renew and maintain the infrastructure that is essential to the region, and stimulate job opportunities that will benefit fishermen and support our local communities.”

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade and Member of Parliament for Beauséjour

“Investments that help improve communities are a priority for our Government. When we invest in our communities, Canadians and the Canadian economy benefit. Investments in our Small Craft Harbours demonstrate our government’s commitment to local economies. We are proud of this investment to support the fishing industry—a key economic sector that helps support coastal communities across the country.

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

• The Government of Canada is investing $250 million over two years to renew its network of small craft harbours and work with municipalities and other stakeholders to enhance local communities, economies and foster job creation. 

• This is in addition to $100 million that will be invested in 2018-19 for repairs, maintenance, construction, and dredging at core commercial fishing harbours across Canada.

• 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 almost $3.4 billion in 2017. 

• 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.

• The Small Craft Harbours Program also aims to transfer ownership and operation of recreational harbours to interested third parties who are best placed to operate them effectively and responsively to the needs of the local economy.

• Since 1995, Fisheries and Oceans Canada has successfully divested over 1,100 harbours across the country.

Associated links

• For more information on Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Small Craft Harbours Program

Laura Gareau
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
613-992-3474
laura.gareau@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

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

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