Harper Government Makes Multi-Year, Multi-Million Dollar Investment in Alma Harbour

News Release

Minister Rob Moore announces project to improve safety and working conditions for harbour users.

June 25, 2015 - Alma, 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 is making a significant investment to improve the small craft harbour in Alma. The project being funded will provide a safer and more efficient working environment for harbour users and local fishermen.

The two-year project at Alma Harbour consists of three key components:

reconstruction of the existing deteriorated wharf;
construction of an extension to the reconstructed wharf; and
construction of a rubblemound breakwater.

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:

The Alma Harbour is home port to approximately 20 commercial fishing vessels.
The primary species landed at the harbour are lobster and sea scallop. Landings in 2013 represented an estimated value of over $5.7 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 Alma, 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

“We, the fishermen and harbour authority are very excited for the project to be done. This funding is very important, and needed for safety reasons and for the expansion of our fishery. Also it will be great for our local economy. We are pleased that our local MP Mr. Rob Moore saw the importance, and announced the funding of the project. The project could not have happened without the funding from the Government of Canada.”

Terry Rossiter, President of the Harbour Authority of Alma