St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador - While in Newfoundland and Labrador the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, took the opportunity to meet with Harbour Authority representatives at the Fort Amherst (Prosser Rock) Small Craft Harbours site in St. John's.
Fort Amherst is used by 118 homeport fishing vessels and 138 transient fishing vessels that primarily fish snow crab and cod. In 2017, fisher harvesters landed 5,518 tonnes of fish and seafood valued at $49.1 million. The Government of Canada has invested almost $1 million in Fort Amherst since 2013 to ensure better access to safe berthing and offloading facilities within this harbour.
Since 2016, The Government of Canada has invested almost $160 million in Small Craft Harbours in Newfoundland and Labrador. 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 enhance local communities.
