January 15, 2019
L'Étang-du-Nord, Quebec
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Today, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, and Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Gaspésie—Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, met with Ghyslain Cyr, President of the Administration portuaire du havre de pêche de L'Étang-du-Nord, in L'Étang-du-Nord, Îles-de-la-Madeleine to discuss recent repairs that have been made to this essential fishing harbour and visit the port. In the last two years two wharves have been reconstructed, to ensure the safe operation of the fishing harbour - one of the main economic drivers for the community. 75 commercial fishing vessels use this harbour for principally lobster fishing as well as snow crab and scallops. Last year the landings from this harbour totalled 1,000 tonnes at a value of $10.7 million. These landings support four fish processing facilities in the region that employ 575 people.
In 2017-2018, $6.7 million has been invested in L'Étang du Nord harbour, with a total of $16.3 million invested in harbours in Îles-de-la-Madeleines. This is part of the Government of Canada's commitment to maintain its network of small craft harbours to provide the commercial fishing industry with safe and accessible facilities.
