MIRAMICHI, March 23, 2005 - Competitive contracts worth a combined total of $1,190,470 have been awarded to Sutherland Excavating Ltd. and St. Louis Enterprise, respectively, to undertake wharf renovation projects in New Brunswick. The announcement was made today by Charles Hubbard, MP for Miramichi, on behalf of the Honourable Scott Brison, Minister of Public Works and Government Services. "These contracts will ensure that these wharves continue to play a critical role in the economic and social viability of their respective communities," said Mr. Hubbard. "The replacement of worn out structures represents significant and ongoing investments by the Government of Canada in the fishing industry as well as in the sustenance of economic opportunities across the Maritimes." Under the first contract, worth $670,921, Sutherland Excavating will demolish the existing timber-treated cribwork and pile structure at Escuimac Wharf in Northumberland County, N.B. The company will rebuild the wharf using steel piles and also install an extended and reinforced concrete deck. This contract will be completed in July 2005. The second contract, to St. Louis Enterprise, and worth $519,449, is for the replacement of the timber deck at Pointe Sapin Wharf, N.B., with a new reinforced concrete deck. The company will construct and install supporting beams as well as a new water supply system for the harbour. This contract will be completed in June 2005. These contracts have been awarded under the Small Craft Harbours (SCH) program of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. The SCH program works through local harbour authorities in five regions across the country to provide commercial fishers and recreational boaters with safe and accessible facilities. Through these authorities, the SCH program ensures that nearly 1,300 harbours and 6,000 structures critical to the economic and social life of small maritime communities remain open and in good repair. For information on contracting opportunities with the Government of Canada, visit www.merx.com, Canada's official, public sector electronic tendering service. - 30 - For further information, media may contact: Renée David Press Secretary Office of Minister Brison (819) 997-5421 Pierre Téotonio Senior Media Relations Advisor PWGSC (819) 956-2310 Keith Vickers Office of Charles Hubbard (506) 778-8448
