Lourdes, Newfoundland and Labrador – Senator Ethel Cochrane, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced that twelve harbours along the province's west and south coasts would benefit from $6.8 million in funding from the Government of Canada's recent investment in small craft harbours across Newfoundland and Labrador.
Repair and improvement projects are planned for small craft harbours in Lourdes, Fischells, English Harbour East, Fortune, Francois, Gaultois, Harbour Breton, Sandyville (Dawson's Cove), Black Duck Cove, Blue Cove, Castor's River North, and Trout River.
"Small craft harbours are vital to the economy and livelihood of coastal communities," said Senator Cochrane. "Our government's investments in these harbours will provide the commercial fishers of Newfoundland and Labrador with a safe and accessible system of harbours that they can rely on for years to come."
These projects are part of the $67 million the Small Craft Harbours Program is investing across Canada, and part of the $20.3 million that Senator Fabian Manning announced last month for harbours in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Government's investment will revitalize small craft harbours and support the livelihood of those Canadians who depend on them. Safety and operational efficiency at harbours across the country will be improved through a variety of projects including dredging, wharf repairs, electrical system updates, and general maintenance.
This investment is in addition to the funding provided by Canada's Economic Action Plan, which provides $200 million for two years for harbour repairs and maintenance projects. These projects were announced in 2009, and work will continue until March 2011.
Small craft harbour repair and improvement projects are undertaken by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, as part of its Small Craft Harbours Program, in cooperation with the local harbour authorities that manage and operate facilities for local users. Close cooperation between the department and harbour authorities allows the federal government to continue to provide an operable system of harbours and facilities throughout Canada in support of the commercial fishing industry.
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For more information:
Sam Whiffen
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
709-772-7631
Nancy Bishay
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
