June 27, 2010
CHARLOTTETOWN, NL – The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans concluded a successful two day tour of Labrador during which she announced a number of important small craft harbour measures, including a $1.6 M investment with funding from Canada’s Economic Action plan for harbour repair and improvement projects to encourage the growth of the commercial fishing industry.
“Our Government knows that fishers in Newfoundland and Labrador need first-rate facilities to maintain their livelihoods, and we support the strong role that harbours play in the local economy,” said Minister Shea. “The work being carried out on the Charlottetown and Forteau Harbours will ensure these harbours continue to serve fishers and offer economic opportunities for years to come.”
The community of Charlottetown will benefit from a multi-year harbour development project. Work at the harbour includes replacing the existing deteriorated wharf with a longer finger pier wharf, complete with electrical services. In addition, dredging will take place within the small boat basin area. These projects in Charlottetown are part of the $67 million Regular Program funds that the Small Craft Harbours Program is investing across Canada, of which $20.3 million was announced in April for harbours in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Funding from Canada’s Economic Action Plan will help another with repairs to another Labrador harbour, Forteau Harbour. Repairs will be made to the existing wharf and new electrical services will be installed. The wharf will then be reinforced with armourstone on the seaward side to provide further protection to the vessels using the harbour. Canada’s Economic Action Plan is providing a total of $200 million for two years for harbour repairs and maintenance projects. These projects were announced in 2009, and work will continue until March 2011.
On Sunday, Minister Shea also announced the Department of Fisheries and Oceans is studying a future extension of small craft harbour services to Mary’s Harbour and Pinsent’s Arm in Labrador. In the coming months the Department of Fisheries and Oceans will and work with the community to assess needs and commence planning for harbour development. In addition, other harbours across the province will benefit from minor repair and maintenance projects.
"Mary’s Harbour and Pinsent’s Arm are essential to the commercial fishery. When the Government of Canada invests in small craft harbours in Labrador, we are supporting the economic prosperity of its communities,” said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador. “A well-functioning network of small craft harbours will ensure that the commercial fishery delivers long-term economic opportunities for the people of Labrador.”
The Government of Canada invests in small craft harbours to support the livelihoods of those Canadians who depend on them. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans undertakes repair and improvement projects in cooperation with the local harbour authorities that manage and operate facilities for local users. Close cooperation between DFO 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.
- 30 -
For more information:
Nelson Kalil
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-990-7537
Nancy Bishay
Press Secretary
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
NR-HQ-10-38E
