Port de Grave, Newfoundland and Labrador - Small craft harbours are vital infrastructure for coastal and rural communities, supporting fishing and transportation, while supporting the local economies built around them. Canada's commercial fisheries, aquaculture, and seafood processing sectors support nearly 65,000 jobs - including more than 42,900 commercial fish harvesters - from coast to coast to coast. In 2025, Canada's fish and seafood exports totaled $8.47 billion.
As announced in the Spring Economic Update 2026, almost $1 billion will be invested over five years to repair, maintain and modernize Canada's small craft harbours. This new economic investment will help build a climate-resilient, safe and future-ready harbour network across the country.
Today, the Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, alongside Paul Connors, Member of Parliament for Avalon, Newfoundland and Labrador, highlighted an investment in the Ship Cove small craft harbour in Port de Grave, Newfoundland and Labrador. This strategic investment in Ship Cove will see the removal of the existing finger pier and marginal wharf, and the construction of a new finger pier and marginal wharf on the same property, in a different location than the current one. This new construction will provide additional berthage and protection for the harvesters.
This investment also includes a new access area to the wharves, improving safety, efficiency, and accessibility for everyone who relies on the harbour.
The Spring Economic Update 2026 funding will allow DFO to undertake repairs, upgrades, and dredging at small craft harbour facilities across Canada. Repairs will be carried out using the latest climate projections, which will result in climate resistant infrastructure that meets the needs of the commercial fishing industry and community.
As Canada transforms from economic reliance to resilience, this investment will support local economic development for generations to come.
The Government of Canada is building a Canada that is not just strong, but good; not just prosperous, but fair. We're building Canada strong, for all.
