October 29, 2010
Gander, NL – The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today presented four Small Craft Harbours Distinction Awards to Harbour Authority representatives at a ceremony in Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador.
“Harbours are the economic, cultural and social centres of coastal communities. The commitment and dedication of these volunteers deserve our recognition,” says Minister Shea. “The recipients of these awards are community leaders.”
This year’s individual award recipients are: Scott Rowsell, Harbour Authority of Smith’s Harbour (posthumously); and Maureen Fleming, Harbour Authority of Lamaline. There were also two group awards: the Environmental Stewardship Award was given to the Harbour Authority of Burgeo, and the Harbour Authority Achievement Award went to the Harbour Authority of Fortune.
“The response to incidents like Hurricane Igor illustrates the importance of volunteerism in times of crisis, but the willingness of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to donate their time and energy on a daily basis is demonstrated by the year-round dedication of Harbour Authority members,” said Minister Shea.
Harbours are an integral part of community life in Newfoundland and Labrador. They are the economic drivers, social hubs, and cultural and historic icons of coastal communities. Small Craft Harbours staff and harbour authorities across the province work together to ensure the harbours they manage are safe and meet the needs of the people they serve.
The Small Craft Harbours Distinction Awards are presented annually to members of local harbour authorities as part of the annual Harbour Authority seminar. This event offers an opportunity to provide Harbour Authority members with valuable training to assist them in managing their harbours. The event also gives the Regional Harbour Authority Advisory Committee (RHAAC) and Fisheries and Oceans Canada an opportunity to recognize Harbour Authority members for their many efforts over the past year, the majority of which are conducted on a volunteer basis.
For more information about these awards please visit the Small Craft Harbours section of the DFO web site: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/
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For more information:
Nancy Bishay
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
