Winnipeg, Manitoba - 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 DFO's existing annual program budget of approximately $90 million.
Today, the Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), the Honourable Rebecca Chartrand highlighted this investment from the Spring Economic Update to Fisheries and Oceans Canada's (DFO) Small Craft Harbours Program.
The funding will allow DFO to undertake repairs, upgrades and dredging at small craft harbour facilities across Canada, including the reconstruction of the main wharf at Easterville Harbour and the fish plant wharves at McBeth Point Harbour.
The Easterville Harbour work includes reconstruction of the main timber crib wharf (401), removal of the existing structure and construction of a reconfigured wharf better suited to commercial harvesters' needs. Easterville Harbour is home to about 50 commercial fishing vessels and the main fisheries are walleye, whitefish, and yellow perch.
For McBeth Point, funding will support the demolition and reconstruction of new timber crib wharves (401 and 403) as well as improvements to shoreline protection. This work will ensure safe and reliable access for commercial harvesters for years to come. Approximately 40 commercial fishing vessels use McBeath Point Harbour and the main fisheries are walleye, whitefish, and yellow perch.
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.
