A dozen communities throughout eastern Newfoundland are welcoming significant federal investments that will benefit the local economy. Coastal communities across Canada are supported by small craft harbours that provide the commercial fishing industry with safe and accessible facilities. With approximately 44,000 Canadians employed in this sector, the Government of Canada is making investments to renew its network of small craft harbours and work with municipalities and other stakeholders where investments and divestitures can enhance local communities.

“I am pleased to announce these major investments. Investing in the local small craft harbours helps not just the commercial fishing industry, but Bonavista-Burin-Trinity as a whole. I am proud that we are 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 local communities.”

Churence Rogers, Member of Parliament, Bonavista-Burin-Trinity

“Investments that help improve communities are a priority for our Government. When we invest in the community, Canadians and the Canadian economy benefit. Small Craft Harbour investments demonstrate the federal 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 2016.

• 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.

Associated links

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Small Craft Harbours Program

Jocelyn Lubczuk                        
Press Secretary                          
Office of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans            
and the Canadian Coast Guard                    
613-992-3474
Jocelyn.lubczuk@dfo-mpo.gc.ca     

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

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