No. P008/03For release - June 26, 2003
JEUNE LANDING, B.C. — Natural Resources Minister Herb Dhaliwal and MP (Vancouver South-Burnaby), on behalf of Transport Minister David Collenette, today announced the official transfer of the Jeune Landing public port facility, near Port Alice on Vancouver Island, to the Port Alice Marine Rescue Society. The transfer agreement includes a contribution of $365,500 from Transport Canada's Port Divestiture Fund.
"The Port Alice Marine Rescue Society is to be congratulated for joining the move towards a new era of port management," said Mr. Dhaliwal. "Having this facility run by local people who best know its role in the community - and its potential for growth - will allow it to function in a more commercial and cost-effective manner."
The Jeune Landing port facility on Neroutsos Inlet includes a wharf, a float, and an approach. The $365,500 federal contribution announced today is to offset initial operating costs, such as repairs and ongoing maintenance, for the port facility. Since 1997, the federal government has transferred over 60 regional port facilities into local hands in British Columbia, under the National Marine Policy.
"With today's transfer, the Port Alice Marine Rescue Society will be able to take greater advantage of this facility by having the flexibility to tailor levels of service to local demand," said Mr. Collenette. "The aim of the National Marine Policy is to provide Canadians with an efficient and cost-effective ports system, the transfer of Jeune Landing is another step in that direction."
Transport Canada's Port Divestiture Program was established in 1996, as part of the National Marine Policy, with the objective of transferring Regional/Local port sites to other interests. In some cases, ports are being transferred as operating ports; in other cases, Crown land and facilities are being transferred to interested parties for other uses.
Funding for this initiative is built into the current fiscal framework.
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Contact:
Rod NelsonCommunications, Vancouver(604) 666-1675
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