May 8, 2009
PETTY HARBOUR, NL – Local workers and businesses will benefit from a major new investment in small craft harbours thoughout Newfoundland and Labrador, Senator Fabian Manning said today.
"The commercial fishery is vital to families and businesses throughout Newfoundland and Labrador," said Senator Manning. "By investing in small craft harbours our government is creating local jobs right away, and ensuring that those who rely on the fishery can rely on improved harbours for years to come."
The Small Craft Harbours program is one of many job-creating investments contained in Canada's Economic Action Plan. Through this plan, communities throughout Canada will receive $200 million over two years to accelerate harbour repair and maintenance, as well as undertake dredging projects. This new investment is in addition to already budgeted funding of approximately $80 million for the Small Craft Harbours Program for this year.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, $52.5 million is being provided under Canada's Economic Action Plan for projects at core commercial fishing harbours over the next two years. This is in addition to regular program funding of $14.1 million for projects in the province this year.
These projects are being undertaken by Fisheries and Oceans Canada's Small Craft Harbours Program in close collaboration with the harbour authorities that manage and operate the facilities for local users. This close co-operation with clients allows the Government of Canada to provide an operable system of harbours and facilities throughout Canada, in support of commercial fish harvesters.
Details can be found in the attached backgrounder.
For more information on the Small Craft Harbours Program, visit http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sch-ppb/home-accueil-eng.htm. For further information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit http://www.actionplan.gc.ca/eng/index.asp.
-30-
For More Information:
Bob Fagan
A/Regional Director of Communications
Newfoundland and Labrador
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
(709) 772-7622
