Harper Government Invests in Quebec Harbours

News Release

Minister Shea announces projects to maintain and improve fishing harbours in Quebec

February 19, 2015 - Ottawa, Ontario

The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced today that the Government of Canada is investing $550,000 in six small craft harbours in Quebec in order to ensure they continue to operate safely and securely. This investment is in addition to the $10.3 million investment announced last August for maintenance, repair, construction and dredging projects at small craft harbours across the province.

The investment supports the following Quebec harbour projects:

Pointe-Basse Harbour, Magdalen Islands - redredging
Cap-aux-Meules Harbour, Magdalen Islands - repairs to the floating wharves
Étang-du-Nord Harbour, Magdalen Islands - repairs to the shore protection
Saint-Godefroi Harbour, Gaspé Peninsula - redredging of the channel and basin
Sept-Îles Harbour and Kégaska Harbour, North Shore - repairs to the floating wharves

The funding for these projects is part of the Government of Canada’s investment of approximately $106 million in repair, construction, maintenance and dredging projects across Canada. This includes $66 million in regular annual program funding in 2014-2015 and an additional $40 million allocated over two years, as announced in Economic Action Plan 2014.

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 is supporting repair, construction, maintenance and dredging projects at 20 small craft harbours in Quebec this year.
The Small Craft Harbours Program is responsible for more than 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 in Quebec and contribute to continued economic growth and prosperity for Canadians.”

The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans