The Government of Canada invests in Quebec’s fishing harbours

From: Fisheries and Oceans Canada

News release

July 20, 2021 

Newport, Quebec - Coastal communities across Canada are supported by the Small Craft Harbours (SCH) Program, that provides the commercial fishing industry with safe access to waterways. With approximately 45,000 Canadians employed in the fishing industry, the Government of Canada is making investments to maintain its network of small craft harbours, and is working with municipalities and other stakeholders to ensure this important infrastructure energizes local communities.

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Gaspésie─Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine, on behalf of the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced today that the Government of Canada will invest $36.6 million to help maintain harbours across the province.

In the Gaspé Peninsula, the upcoming investments and works under the SCH Program totalling more than $18 million include six major projects:

  • Newport Harbour: reconstruction and reshaping of the spatial organization of the harbour's reception facilities, this will ensure the safety of the operations carried out there by users.
  • Saint-Godefroi Harbour: reconstruction of a loading station, rehabilitation of the launch ramp and dredging work in the exclusion zone and in other areas of the harbour.
  • Paspébiac Harbour: relocation and reconstruction of the launch ramp and dredging of the basin in the ramp area.
  • Grande-Rivière Harbour: repair and improvement of the defence system of the harbour wharves in order to adapt to the growing dimensions of the fleet of inshore and offshore fish harvesters.
  • Cloridorme Harbour: installation of a cathodic protection system and painting work in order to slow down the corrosion process of the metal components of the harbour infrastructure.
  • Matane Harbour: construction of a shelter for used oil tanks.

In the Magdalen Islands, more than $8 million will be available for six major projects, at the harbours of Grande-Entrée, Havre-Aubert, Île d’Entrée, Millerand, Cap-aux-Meules and Pointe-aux-Loups.

As for the North Shore, the financial assistance and work under the SCH Program will amount to nearly $9 million, and will target four main projects, at the harbours of Blanc-Sablon, Les Escoumins, Sept-Îles and Rivière-au-Tonnerre.

Finally, an investment of $550,000 is planned to inspect non-core harbours across the province and address some safety issues.

Quotes

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I am pleased to announce this important investment for Quebec harbours. Fishing is a crucial hub in many communities across Canada, including our own, in the Gaspé Peninsula, the Magdalen Islands and the North Shore  – which is why it’s important to support our local fishermen and communities with quality, well maintained harbour infrastructure.  When we invest in our harbours, we invest in the people who work and live near them, and I’m proud of the Government of Canada’s support.”

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier
Minister of National Revenue and MP for Gaspésie─Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine

“Investments in Canada's small craft harbours demonstrate the Government of Canada's commitment to local economies and communities. By ensuring the safety, accessibility and good condition of our national system of small craft harbours, we continue to support the fishing industry so that it, in turn, can continue to play its important role in Canada's economy and its recovery from the pandemic.”

The Honourable Bernadette Jordan
Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard 

Quick facts

  • In Budget 2021-2022, the Government of Canada committed an additional $300 million to be invested over two years for the renewal of Canada’s network of small craft harbours.

  • Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) keeps harbours critical to the commercial fishing industry open and in good repair.

  • DFO supports 973 harbours across Canada with more than 5,000 volunteers from harbour authorities, including 84 in Quebec.

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

  • The Small Craft Harbour Program budget for 2021-2022 is approximately $90 million; of this amount, approximately $70 million will be directly invested in projects for repairs, maintenance, construction and dredging at harbours.

  • Canada’s blue economy and its future growth depend on the sustainable use and management of our ocean resources. A Blue Economy Strategy will enable us to protect and revitalize the health of our oceans while taking advantage of emerging economic growth opportunities throughout ocean sectors.

Associated links

Contacts

Olivia McMackin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
343-571-9193
Olivia.McMackin@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Communications Branch
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Quebec Region
418-648-5474
Media.qc@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Stay connected

 

 

Page details

Date modified: