ST. JOHN’S, NL – Today, Minister Peter Penashue, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador, Member of Parliament for Labrador and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, thanked delegates for attending the annual Newfoundland and Labrador Harbour Authority Seminar. Minister Penashue made the closing comments at the seminar in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador on behalf of Minister Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.
“It was a productive seminar,” said the Honourable Peter Penashue, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador. “This annual event is a great opportunity to discuss issues, exchange ideas and improve service to the citizens of the province.”
“Our government is pleased to support small craft harbours as part of the backbone of Canada’s fishing industry,” said Minister Ashfield. “We are committed to supporting a sustainable and prosperous fishing industry within a strong and vibrant Canadian economy.”
Since 2010, the Government of Canada, has announced a total $87.7 million to the improvement and repairs of small craft harbours throughout Newfoundland and Labrador; $16.1 million through the Small Craft Harbours Program in 2011-2012, $19 million to clean up and repair harbours that were damaged in the storms that took place in September 2010 and $52.5 million in small craft harbours under the Economic Action Plan.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada offers guidance and advice to Harbour Authorities so that management decisions and day-to-day operations of harbours are carried out by people in the communities who use the harbours. There are more than 200 Harbour Authorities in communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador representing the needs of harbour users. Harbour Authority volunteers maintain harbours in good working order.
The annual seminar is held to recognize Harbour Authority volunteers throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. It is also an opportunity for training, education and discussion of issues related to running safe and accessible harbours.
Information about the Small Craft Harbour program and Harbour Authorities is available online http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/
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For more information:
Barbara Mottram
Press Secretary
Minister Keith Ashfield
(613) 992-3474
Sam Whiffen, Communications Officer
Fisheries and Oceans
Newfoundland and Labrador Region
(709) 772-7631
