Harper Government Announces Support for Small Craft Harbour Project in St. Martins

News Release

Federal Funding Will Improve Safety And Working Conditions For Harbour Users

June 19, 2015

St. Martins, New Brunswick - The Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for New Brunswick, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) and Member of Parliament for Fundy Royal, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced today that the Government of Canada will be supporting improvements at the small craft harbour in St. Martins.

Plans will be developed this year to dredge the harbour basin. Work will be carried out next year and will improve harbour operations for users by providing safe berthage and navigation for local fishermen and harbour users.

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:

Approximately 12 fishing vessels use the St. Martins Harbour.
The primary species landed at the harbour are lobster and sea scallop. Annual landings represent an estimated value of $1 million.
More than $74 million is being invested in improvement projects at approximately 39 harbours in New Brunswick over the next two years.
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.

Quotes:

“For generations, Canadian hard-working men and women have made their livelihood from our waters. Without a question, small craft harbours are the cornerstone of the commercial fishing industry. Today’s announcement is part of our Government’s ongoing commitment to support harbours, local economies and foster job creation.”

The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

“In St. Martins, fishing is an important way of life for many residents. Our Government is committed to providing harbour infrastructure that our dedicated fishermen rely upon in order to provide for their families. We have and will continue to provide a safe working environment for the people of New Brunswick.”

The Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for New Brunswick, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) and Member of Parliament for Fundy Royal

“The Harbour Authority is pleased to hear this announcement from MP Rob Moore. The money will assist in the preliminary planning work for a larger, much needed project to be completed over time. Heavy sediment from the river has built up in the harbour over recent years. This has resulted in narrowing the channel which in turn limits the time available for fishermen to access and egress from the harbour’s point of entry. It is also dangerous as boats today are generally larger than in years past and therefore more easily grounded in the narrow channel.”

Neil Withers, President, Harbour Authority of St. Martins

Associated Links:

Small Craft Harbours

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Contacts:

Frank Stanek
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa
613-990-7537

Sophie Doucet
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474

Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore
Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)
613-941-7241

NR-MAR-15-13E

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Harper Government Announces Support for Small Craft Harbour Project in St. Martins

News Release

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