Pointe-Sapin, New Brunswick - Coastal communities across Canada are supported by small craft harbours that provide the commercial fishing industry with safe and accessible facilities. With approximately 45,000 Canadians employed in this sector, the Government of Canada is making investments to renew its network of small craft harbours and work with municipalities and other stakeholders where investments and divestitures can support local communities and grow the economy.
Keeping our harbours safe, open and in good repair is essential to our coastal communities remaining competitive. By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is investing in people, promoting inclusive growth, and building stronger and safer communities.
Today, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, and the Member of Parliament for Miramichi - Grand Lake, Pat Finnigan, announced the Government of Canada is investing over $4.6 million in infrastructure for four New Brunswick fishing harbours in Pointe-Sapin, Loggiecroft, Bas-Neguac, and McEachern's point.
The harbours have been identified for the following improvements:
- Dredging and construction of a containment cell to deposit dredging material at Pointe-Sapin
- Channel dredging at Loggiecroft (Kouchibougouac)
- Divestiture and transfer of ownership to a third party at Bas-Neguac (Lower Neguac)
- Construction of a launching ramp and channel maintenance dredging at McEachern's Point (Wishart Point)
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Quotes
"Investments that help improve communities are a priority for our Government. When we invest in the community, Canadians and the Canadian economy benefit. Small Craft Harbour investments demonstrate the federal government's commitment to local economies. We are proud of this investment to support the fishing industry-a key economic sector that helps support coastal communities across the country.
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
"I'm pleased to announce this major investment for our community. Investing in the local small craft harbours helps not just the commercial fishing industry, but Miramichi - Grand Lake as a whole. I am proud that we are investing in people, promoting inclusive growth and building stronger communities. The work carried out will not only renew and maintain the infrastructure that is essential to the region, but also stimulate job opportunities that will benefit fishermen and support our local communities."
Pat Finnigan, Member of Parliament for Miramichi - Grand Lake
Quick facts
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The Government of Canada is investing $250 million over two years to renew its network of small craft harbours and work with municipalities and other stakeholders to enhance local communities, economies and foster job creation.
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This is in addition to $92 million that will be invested in 2019-20 for repairs, maintenance, construction, and dredging at core commercial fishing harbours across Canada.
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The mandate of the Small Craft Harbours Program is to keep harbours critical to the commercial fishing industry open and in good repair.
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Small craft harbours provide critical support to the commercial fishing industry, which had landings valued at almost $3.9 billion in 2017.
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Fisheries and Oceans Canada supports more than 1000 harbours across Canada with more than 5000 volunteers from harbour authorities.
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Harbour repair projects are undertaken in cooperation with the local harbour authorities that manage and operate facilities for local users.
