Small craft harbours are the heart of many coastal communities, bringing people together in work and play, while supporting jobs in the fish and seafood industry for over 45,000 Canadians. As part of Budget 2024, $463.3 million over three years will be invested for the repair and maintenance of small craft harbours, including those damaged by Hurricane Fiona, starting in 2024-25. This is on top of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)’s annual budget of $90 million for these harbours.
The recreational striped bass fishery in the Gulf Region has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, bringing significant socio-economic benefits to Indigenous and coastal communities.
Canada’s oceans and waterways are home to diverse ecosystems that play an important role in the health of Canadians and the environment. Climate change, pollution, and shipping activities can impact marine life. Through Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan, the Government of Canada is increasing protections and further preserving these important marine ecosystems.
Rivière-au-Renard, Quebec – The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, will hold a press conference to announce significant investments in small craft harbours in the Gaspé Peninsula.
Moncton, New Brunswick – The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, along with the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister for Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs, will hold a press conference to announce major investments in small craft harbours in New Brunswick.
Today, the Council of the Haida Nation, Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, Pacheedaht First Nation, Quatsino First Nation and the Government of Canada announced the designation of Tang.ɢwan — ḥačxwiqak — Tsig̱is as a Marine Protected Area (MPA). This large ecologically unique ocean area located approximately 150 kilometres off the west coast of Vancouver Island, is now Canada’s largest MPA designated under the Oceans Act via Governor in Council.
Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland and Labrador – The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard will make an announcement at the Salmonid Interpretation Centre in Grand Falls-Windsor.
On June 11, 2024, the Honourable Judge Steven Merrick of the Sechelt Provincial Court fined George Winkler $70,000 for offences under Canada’s Fisheries Act. Mr. Winkler pleaded guilty in October 2023 to violating the fish and fish habitat protection provisions of the Act by undertaking work that resulted in the death of fish and the destruction of fish habitat.
Vancouver, BC - Canada’s oceans and waterways are home to diverse ecosystems that play a key role in the health of Canadians and the environment. Climate change, pollution, and shipping activities can impact marine life. Through Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan, the Government of Canada is increasing protections and further preserving these important marine ecosystems.
On March 26, 2024, I was deeply troubled to learn of an incident involving the arrest and release of two Mi’kmaw individuals in Shelburne County, Nova Scotia. The allegations brought forward regarding the treatment of the two individuals are simply unacceptable.
