North Rustico, Prince Edward Island - Coastal communities across Canada are supported by small craft harbours that provide the commercial fishing industry with safe access to waterways. With approximately 45,000 Canadians employed in the fishing sector, the Government of Canada is making investments to renew its network of small craft harbours and work with municipalities and other stakeholders to ensure this important infrastructure can enhance local communities.
Today, the Honourable Wayne Easter, Member of Parliament for Malpeque, on behalf of the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced that the Government of Canada is investing $4.8 million dollars to help renew the harbours in the Prince and Queens counties.
A number of harbours have been identified for improvements:
- At Covehead, annual redredging will take place.
- At Malpeque, options are being explored for possible future harbour development and annual redredging will be carried out.
- At North Rustico, advanced planning will begin for potential replacement of breakwaters located at the eastern entrance. Design work will continue in preparation for the reconstruction of the structure on the west side of the harbour. Annual redredging will also be carried out.
Quotes
"Canada's seafood sector brings in over seven billion dollars each year. Over 90% of that product is landed at small craft harbours. By building better, safer, greener harbours, we're not just supporting the people and coastal communities who rely on them every day, we're investing in our world-class seafood sector and growing a stronger, more sustainable blue economy for Canadians."
The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
"Our government is making crucial investments in our coastal communities today, and securing their long-term growth and success. I am proud of the work being done to improve harbour services, as it helps build stronger communities. The work announced today will help improve safety and maintain the infrastructure that's essential to the counties of Prince and Queens."
Wayne Easter, Member of Parliament for Malpeque, Prince Edward Island
Quick facts
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In Budget 2021-2022, the Government of Canada committed an additional $300 million to be invested over two years for the renewal of Canada's network of small craft harbours.
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Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) keeps harbours critical to the commercial fishing industry open and in good repair.
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DFO supports 973 harbours across Canada with more than 5000 volunteers from harbour authorities.
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Harbour restoration projects are undertaken in cooperation with the local harbour authorities that manage and operate facilities for local users.
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The Small Craft Harbour Program budget for 2021-2022 is approximately $90 million; of this amount, approximately $70 million will be directly invested in projects for repairs, maintenance, construction and dredging at harbours.
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Canada's blue economy and its future growth depend on the sustainable use and management of our ocean resources. A Blue Economy Strategy will enable us to protect and revitalize the health of our oceans while taking advantage of emerging economic growth opportunities throughout ocean sectors.
