August 5, 2011
Québec, Quebec – The Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry and Minister of State (Agriculture), 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 Quebec.
“Our Government understands the vital importance of Quebec’s fishing industry,” said Minister Paradis. “We are pleased to invest in the harbours that our hard-working men and women depend on to earn a living.”
This year, Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Small Craft Harbours Program will undertake necessary dredging, repair and maintenance projects at 33 core commercial fishing harbours across Quebec.
This investment is in addition to funding announced in March 2011, to support fish harvesters in storm-damaged areas in Quebec, Atlantic Canada and Manitoba.
“The Government of Canada is committed to the coastal communities of this province and is pleased to contribute to their economic growth and future prosperity,” said Minister Paradis. “Today’s investment in small craft harbours will benefit the local economy for years to come.”
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.
-30-
For Broadcast:
The Government will invest $6.3 million to repair and maintain small craft harbours in Quebec this year. This funding is part of $57 million 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:
Karina Laberge
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
418-775-0769
Barbara Mottram
Press Secretary
Office of The Honourable Keith Ashfield
Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
NR-QR-11-29E
