Government of Canada Invests in Skinners Cove

News Release

Minister Peter Mackay Announces Maintenance of Containment Cell at Skinners Cove Harbour in Nova Scotia

January 12, 2015 - Skinners Cove, Nova Scotia

The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Regional Minister for Nova Scotia and Member of Parliament for Central Nova, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced today that the Government of Canada will invest $69,500 in a project at Skinners Cove Harbour.

The work will involve emptying the containment cell that holds dredged material in order to accommodate the dredging planned for the spring. Dredging the channel ensures that Skinners Cove remains a safe and efficient work environment for the fishermen. The project will commence shortly and is expected to be completed by the end of January.

This is part of the federal government’s investment of approximately $106 million in repair, construction, maintenance and dredging projects at harbours across Canada from which $22.4 million is being invested in Nova Scotia. The $106 million includes regular program funding in 2014-2015 and an additional $40 million over two years, from Economic Action Plan 2014.

The Small Craft Harbour program will also receive $288 million from the $5.8 billion infrastructure investment announced by Prime Minister Harper last November. Supporting local harbours not only protects a long-established way of life, it encourages economic prosperity in coastal communities.

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 Small Craft Harbours Program is responsible for over 1000 small craft harbours across Canada.
The primary fishery at the harbour in Skinners Cove is lobster. In 2012, landings were valued at $436,000.
Nine home fleet vessels and 18 fish harvesters use the facilities at Skinners Cove. In the last five fiscal years, $1.5 million has been invested at this harbour, which funded annual dredging and the reconstruction of a wharf.

Quotes

"Our Government understands that by investing in small craft harbours, we are investing directly in local communities. The funding announced today will allow the hard-working Central Nova fishermen to support their families in a safe and efficient work environment. We are proud to invest in infrastructure that supports local economies and encourages future prosperity.”

The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Member of Parliament for Central Nova