Iqaluit, NU - 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, and is in addition to Fisheries and Oceans Canada's (DFO) existing annual program budget of approximately $90 million.
Today, the Secretary of State (Seniors), the Honourable Stephanie McLean, and Member of Parliament for Nunavut, Lori Idlout, 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. For Nunavut, this means the funding will allow for the installation of corrosion protection on the fixed wharf, replacement of floating wharves, improvements to the harbour's launch ramp, and dredging of the channel and basin at Pangnirtung Harbour. Today, MP Idlout was in Pangnirtung to discuss investments to protect infrastructure in the community.
Pangnirtung is home to 80 community vessels, including those used in the commercial fishery. Key fisheries include Arctic Char, Turbot, and traditional marine mammal harvesting, which are critical to the local economy and way of life.
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.
