Port Mouton, Nova Scotia - 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 part of the Spring Economic Update 2026, the Government of Canada is proposing $957.8 million over five years, starting in 2026-27, for the Small Craft Harbours Program. This provides investments for ongoing repairs, in addition to Fisheries and Ocean Canada's (DFO) existing annual program budget of approximately $90 million.
Today, the Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, joined by Jessica Fancy, Member of Parliament for South Shore-St. Margarets, highlighted this investment from the Spring Economic Update to DFO's Small Craft Harbours Program.
The investment will allow DFO to undertake repairs, upgrades and dredging at small craft harbour facilities across Canada. To this end, Central Port Mouton Small Craft Harbour will receive funding to allow for the reconstruction of floating dock system 802 and the options analysis for breakwater 302. This harbour is home to 54 vessels and the main fishery is lobster.
Repairs will be carried out using the latest climate projections, which will result in climate resistant infrastructure that meets the needs of the industry and communities.
As Canada transforms from economic reliance to resilience, this investment will support the local economic development of Quebec communities for generations to come.
The Government of Canada is building a Canada that is sovereign, prosperous and responsible. We're building Canada strong, for all.
