Canada Invests $289 Mln in Harbor Improvements

Hunter Tootoo, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard announced that the Government of Canada is investing $289 million in small craft harbors across the country in 2016-2017.

The announcement includes $32 million of the $149 million allocated to small craft harbors in Budget 2016. 

Small craft harbors are crucial infrastructure for Canada’s commercial fishing industry, providing coastal communities with safe and reliable access points. This investment in Canada’s harbors will support this industry, which employs approximately 76,000 Canadians and contributed $6 billion to the Canadian economy in 2015, by ensuring facilities are in good repair and available for commercial fish harvesters and all harbor users.

Harbor investments across Canada will address infrastructure rust out and operational needs and benefit fish harvesters by ensuring safe berthage and navigational access, as well as adequate wave protection and offloading facilities.

“Infrastructure investment is a priority of the Government of Canada. It is good for Canadians and good for the Canadian economy,” said Minister Tootoo. “We are proud to announce this investment that will help to renew and preserve local harbor infrastructure, and foster local employment opportunities in coastal communities across Canada for years to come.”

Darrell Samson, MP for Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook, said, “These improvements will ensure the infrastructure of our harbor will continue to serve the needs of our fishing and marine community for years to come.”

A provincial breakdown of the $289 million investment in small craft harbors will soon follow.