Harper Government invests in Dipper Harbour and Seeleys Cove

News Release

MP Williamson announces funding for improvements at two fishing harbours in New Brunswick

November 24, 2014 - Charlotte County, New Brunswick

Member of Parliament for New Brunswick Southwest John Williamson, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced today that the Government of Canada will invest $750,000 over two years in harbour improvements at Dipper Harbour and Seeleys Cove. Funding is being allocated for:

The construction of a ground-out bed which will provide users at Dipper Harbour with a safe and economical means of carrying out vessel maintenance and repairs.
The installation of five floating wharves at Seeleys Cove, complete with landing platform and gangway, which will provide much needed capacity for harbour users.
Both projects are expected to be completed in the spring of 2015.

This is part of the Government of Canada’s investment of approximately $106 million in repair, construction, maintenance and dredging projects across Canada. This includes regular annual funding and an additional $40 million over two years, as announced in Economic Action Plan 2014. Since 2007, the federal government has invested over $1 billion dollars in Small Craft Harbours; with more than $160 million going directly to harbours in New Brunswick.

Quick Facts

Small craft harbours support the commercial fishing industry. Nearly 90 percent of all commercial fish harvesters in Canada use small craft harbour facilities, and their annual production represents approximately $1.6 billion.
The Canadian commercial fishing industry provides employment in many coastal, rural and isolated communities. This includes approximately 80,000 jobs within the industry as well as thousands of additional jobs in supporting industries.
The Government of Canada undertakes harbour improvement projects in cooperation with the local harbour authorities that manage and operate facilities for local users.
The federal government will support 21 major repair, construction, maintenance and dredging projects in New Brunswick this year.
The Small Craft Harbours Program is responsible for over 1000 small craft harbours across Canada.

Quotes

“Our government understands that by investing in infrastructure at our small craft harbours, we are also supporting employment opportunities that benefit local communities and ensuring the livelihood of our fishing industry. The funding announced today will help maintain a network of safe and efficient harbours across Canada and contribute to continued economic growth and prosperity for Canadians.”

John Williamson, Member of Parliament for New Brunswick Southwest