The Government of Canada invests close to $6 million in the fishing harbours in the Miramichi area

News release

August 3, 2021

Tabusintac, New Brunswick - Small craft harbours are the heart of Canada’s coastal communities. They are hubs of recreation and industry, and they are essential to Canada’s growing blue economy. Canada’s seafood sector employs over 45,000 Canadians and generates over seven billion dollars per year. With approximately 90% of that product landed at small craft harbours, this infrastructure is vital to Canada’s local and national economies. Through Budget 2021, the federal government is investing $300 million to repair, upgrade and build new small craft harbours across Canada.

Today, the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, along with Pat Finnigan, Member of Parliament for Miramichi—Grand Lake, announced that the Government of Canada is making investments to renew harbour infrastructure throughout Northeast New Brunswick.

A number of harbours have been identified for improvements:

  • Conceptual design (including engineering/environmental components) for the future development of a wharf adjacent to the Esgenoôpetitj First Nation;
  • Advance planning, design and permits for repairs to the wharf at Escuminac;
  • Annual re-dredging, shore protection, realignment of floating docks and removal of dredge spoils at Loggiecroft;
  • Replacing an old wooden structure which served as a dredging structure at Pointe-Sapin. The structure will be removed and surrounded by stone to provide shore protection and annual re-dredging; and,
  • Creation of a second basin by dredging and installation of floating docks, as well as annual re-dredging at McEachern’s Point.

Quotes

"Canada’s seafood sector brings in over seven billion dollars each year. Over 90% of that product is landed at small craft harbours. By building better, safer, greener harbours, we’re not just supporting the people and coastal communities who rely on them every day. We’re investing in our world-class seafood sector and growing a stronger, more sustainable blue economy for Canadians."

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

"I am proud of the work being done to improve harbour services, as it helps build stronger communities. The work announced today will help improve safety and maintain the infrastructure that’s essential to the region."

Pat Finnigan, Member of Parliament for Miramichi—Grand Lake

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

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

Stay Connected

Page details

Date modified: