August 5, 2011
CHARLOTTETOWN, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND – The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue, 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 Prince Edward Island.
“The Government of Canada understands that safe, efficient harbour facilities are critical to those who make their living from the fishery,” said Minister Shea. “We are pleased to provide the province’s fishing industry with harbours that will serve them for years to come.”
This year, Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Small Craft Harbours Program will undertake necessary dredging, repair and maintenance projects at ten core commercial fishing harbours across Prince Edward Island. Minor repair and maintenance projects will also be carried out at harbours throughout the province.
This investment is in addition to funding announced in March 2011, to support fish harvesters in storm-damaged areas in Prince Edward Island, other provinces in Atlantic Canada, Quebec and Manitoba.
“Recent investments in small craft harbours demonstrate this Government’s commitment to the commercial fishing industry and coastal communities in Prince Edward Island and across Canada,” said Minister Shea.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada undertakes these projects 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 Broadcast:
The Government of Canada will invest $2.2 million to repair and maintain small craft harbours in Prince Edward Island this year. This funding is part of a total of $57 million being provided for small craft harbours across the country, and in addition to the $71.6 million committed by the Government last March, to clean up storm-damaged fishing harbours in Atlantic Canada, Quebec and Manitoba.
Background information:
For more information:
Michèle Bernier
Communications
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
506-851-7704
Barbara Mottram
Press Secretary
Office of The Honourable Keith Ashfield
Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
NR-G-11-06E
