June 26, 2013
Fanny Bay, British Columbia – The Honourable John Duncan, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Gateway, today awarded the Fanny Bay Harbour Authority a 2012 Small Craft Harbours Prix d’Excellence award.
“The Fanny Bay Harbour Authority Board members are being awarded Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Small Craft Harbours Prix d’Excellence in recognition of their exemplary dedication to the ongoing success of their harbour,” said MP Duncan. “The Government of Canada is committed to maintaining safe and efficient fishing harbours across the country and we are happy to recognize the efforts of those who help us achieve this goal.”
The Fanny Bay Harbour Authority received the national award under the category of “Harbour Authority Achievement” in relation to successful completion of an important harbour improvement project. The project was undertaken in collaboration with Small Craft Harbours and a number of other funding partners.
The project involved the installation of a floating concrete wharf and vehicular gangway to improve safety at the harbour and reduce unloading times for shellfish products in Baynes Sound, off Vancouver Island. The project has benefited harvesters, First Nations and the community, which share a common interest in the facility and in economically prosperous fisheries.
“The Fanny Bay Harbour Authority Board is honoured to accept this award”, said Bruce Evans, Fanny Bay Harbour Authority Board Member, and Project Coordinator. “The collaborative efforts of Fisheries and Oceans Canada Small Craft Harbour group, Island Coastal Economic Trust, Western Economic Diversification, and the West Coast Community Adjustment Program helped bring this project to its successful completion.”
The Prix d’Excellence is awarded annually to celebrate the exemplary contributions made by Harbour Authorities in meeting the objectives of Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Small Craft Harbours Program. The award recognizes teams and individuals who have made significant contributions to their harbours and their communities.
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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