Harper Government Invests in Ladner Harbour

News Release

April 14, 2015

Minister Findlay announces project to improve safety and working conditions for harbour users in Ladner

LADNER, BC - The Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Delta—Richmond East, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced today that the Government of Canada will invest in improvements at Ladner Harbour. This funding will provide a safer and more efficient working environment for local fishermen and harbour users.

At the Ladner Small Craft Harbours facility, the derrick will be replaced and the electrical system upgraded.

Since 2006, the Government of Canada has provided an unprecedented level of funding to support investments in public infrastructure across the country. Last fall, Prime Minister Harper announced an additional investment of $5.8 billion over the next two years to build and renew infrastructure across the country to support Canadian heritage, First Nations education, defence, borders, research, small craft harbours, transportation and search and rescue. As part of this funding, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard will receive a total of approximately $551 million. This includes $288 million for harbour improvements at small craft harbours.

Quick Facts

Ladner (Delta) Harbour is a high-use, year-round harbour used primarily by commercial fishing vessels and by vessels involved in Aboriginal food, social and ceremonial fisheries.
The primary species fished at Ladner Harbour include salmon, crab, herring, prawn and halibut.
The Government of Canada supports more than 1000 small craft harbours across Canada. Harbour improvement projects are undertaken in cooperation with the local harbour authorities that manage and operate facilities for local users.
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.
Other projects being carried out in British Columbia communities will be announced over the coming weeks.

Quotes

“Our Government is committed to building more prosperous and sustainable fisheries. Our free-trade agreements with South Korea and the European Union are game-changers and will open new markets for our world-class fish and seafood products. Our Government is also proud to support our fishermen by investing in our small craft harbours that are the cornerstone of the commercial fishing industry.”

The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

“For generations, the hard-working men and women of Ladner have made their livelihood from these waters hauling catches of salmon, crab, herring, prawn and halibut. Today, I’m pleased to announce federal funding will go towards replacing the derrick and upgrading the electrical system here in Ladner. Once this work is complete, fishermen will benefit from a safer and more efficient working environment.”

The Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Delta—Richmond East

“The Ladner Fishers Committee is grateful for the Government of Canada’s investment in Ladner Harbour. The derrick replacement and electrical upgrade announced today will improve day-to-day operations at the harbour, and will ensure that our facilities continue to meet the needs of all of the people that depend on them.”

Jim Nightingale, Co-Chair, Ladner Fishers Committee, Ladner Harbour Authority