THETFORD MINES, Quebec –The Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry, Minister of State (Agriculture) and Regional Minister for Quebec, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced today $405,000 in funding for additional repair and improvement projects at small craft harbours in Quebec.
“Our small craft harbours are central to the economy of Quebec, and to many jobs in our communities,” said Minister Paradis. “I am glad to see that these projects will help make harbours across the province safer and more effective for Canadian families.”
“Safe and efficient fishing harbours are critical to those who make their living from the fishery,” said Minister Ashfield. “The projects we are announcing today will improve the safety and operational efficiency of several harbours across the country. Our Government continues to invest in coastal communities and prepare Canada’s fishing industry for the future.”
This work is in addition to major projects and dredging work being carried out at approximately 95 fishing harbours throughout the country, announced in July 2012. the $405,000 in funding includes the start-up of dredging at harbours in the Gaspé Peninsula and the Magdalen Islands to ensure fishing activities can safely take place at the beginning of the fishing season this spring, as well as the following completed projects:
- Installation of an offloading crane at Tête-à-la-Baleine to facilitate fish handling operations;
- Repairs to floating wharves at Grosse-Île to address safety concerns, enhance harbour operations and provide a better working environment for fishermen;
- Repairs to the ladders on the main wharf at Rivière-au-Renard to ensure the safety of fishermen and other users; and,
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.
The Government of Canada remains focused on four priorities, as outlined by the Prime Minister, that Canadians care most about: their families, the safety of our streets and communities, their pride in being a citizen of this country, and of course, their personal financial security.
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