August 5, 2011
Wheatley, Ontario – Dave Van Kesteren, Member of Parliament for Chatham-Kent-Essex, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced today that the Government of Canada will invest in the repair and maintenance of small craft harbours in Ontario.
“The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring small craft harbours are open and properly maintained,” said Mr. Van Kesteren. “We are pleased to provide safe, reliable facilities for communities in Ontario and across Canada.”
The funding for Ontario this year will enable dredging and wharf construction projects to be carried out at Wheatley and Howdenvale harbours. It will also support minor repair and maintenance projects at harbours throughout the province.
This year, funding in 2011-2012 will enable Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Small Craft Harbours Program to undertake necessary dredging, repair and maintenance projects at core commercial fishing harbours across the country.
This investment is in addition to funding announced in March 2011, to support fish harvesters in storm-damaged areas in Atlantic Canada, Quebec and Manitoba.
“This Government continues to make significant investments in small craft harbours across the country,” said Mr. Van Kesteren. “We are working to ensure safe, accessible and efficient facilities are available for harbour users.”
Fisheries and Oceans Canada undertakes these projects in cooperation with the local harbour authorities and municipalities 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.
Dave Van Kesteren, Member of Parliament for Chatham-Kent-Essex, meets with Wheatley Harbour manager, Ken Snider. Mr Van Kesteren was in Wheatley to announce funding for small craft harbours across Ontario.
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For Broadcast:
The Government of Canada will invest $1.3 million, undertaking harbour dredging, repair and maintenance projects at harbours throughout the province, including Wheatley and Howdenvale harbours. This funding is part of a total of $57 million for small craft harbours across the country.
Background information:
For more information:
Hilary Prince
Communications
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
905-336-4974
Barbara Mottram
Press Secretary
Office of The Honourable Keith Ashfield
Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
NR-C&A-11-15E
