Winnipeg Beach, Manitoba – Mr. James Bezan, Member of Parliament for Selkirk-Interlake, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced that the Government of Canada is investing up to $7.4 million to repair storm-damaged harbours in Manitoba.
“Our Government understands that small craft harbours support the economic stability and growth of the towns and villages they serve,” said Mr. Bezan. “Our investment in repairing these harbours is an investment in the future of this province.”
The investment will fund repair projects at 18 harbours. The Government is working to ensure fishing harbours will be repaired to a condition that allows safe access for commercial fishers. Some work has already begun, and all projects will be carried out over the next two years.
In the fall and winter of 2010, Hurricane Igor in Newfoundland, the Manitoba “Weather Bomb,” and the December storms in Atlantic Canada and Quebec, caused damage to fishing harbours in more than 250 communities. Nationally, the Government of Canada is investing $71.6 million to clean up and repair harbours and help communities recover from these devastating storms.
Over the past months, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans has been working with local communities, harbour authorities and Public Works and Government Services Canada to assess damages. This funding will allow the Department to continue on-site assessments and engineering studies, as well as undertake the necessary repair projects.
Background information:
Harper Government to Fund Repairs to Storm-Damaged Harbours in Manitoba
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For Broadcast:
The Government of Canada is providing up to $7.4 million to repair storm-damaged harbours in Manitoba. The funding will help communities, as well as fishing and marine industries recover from last October’s “Weather Bomb.” These storms caused unprecedented damage to fishing harbours relied on by local fishing and marine industries.
For more information:
Kate Davis
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
(613) 992-3474
NR-C&A-11-04E
