Harper Government Invests in Manitoba Small Craft Harbour

News Release

MP Robert Sopuck announces major improvements for harbour in Duck Bay

July 31, 2015

WINNIPEGOSIS, Manitoba – Robert Sopuck, Member of Parliament for Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced today an investment to improve safety and working conditions for fishermen at Duck Bay Harbour.

The project involves reconstructing the stringers, decking and fenders of the timber crib wharves. In addition, the existing floating wharves will be re-anchored and the parking area resurfaced. This funding will provide a safer, more efficient working environment for the hardworking fishermen of Duck Bay.

MP Sopuck also highlighted the progress being made at the Winnipegosis small craft harbour, where work recently began to replace a concrete deck on an existing wharf. The project, announced in May 2015, is scheduled to be finished at the end of September 2015.

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

Duck Bay Harbour is located on the western shores of Lake Winnipegosis, more than 450 kilometres from Winnipeg.
Commercial fishing is the centre of economic activity in the community.
The port is home to 10 commercial and five transient fishing vessels.
The main species fished are walleye, pike and mullet with annual landings valued at $610,000.
Since 2002, more than $500,000 has been invested in this harbour.
Government will support approximately ten harbour improvement projects in Manitoba this year and support 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, hard-working Canadian men and women have made their livelihood from our waters. Without 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

“The commercial fishing industry provides important employment in many of Canada’s coastal and rural communities. Ensuring that small craft harbours are kept in good operating condition not only benefits those who use them, but also the communities where they are located.”

Robert Sopuck, Member of Parliament for Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette