The Government of Canada Invests $66.2 million in Small Craft Harbour Infrastructure in Quebec

LES ÎLES-DE-LA-MADELEINE, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - June 21, 2016) - On behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Gaspésie-Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine, announced today that the Government of Canada will invest, this year, approximately $66.2 million in small craft harbour improvement projects across Quebec.

Small craft harbours play an important role in providing coastal communities and the commercial fishing industry with safe and accessible facilities they depend on for their livelihoods. With more than 76,000 Canadians employed by the commercial fishing industry, this investment will continue to support the growth and economic development of this major Canadian industry.

Quotes

"Infrastructure investment is a priority for the Government of Canada. It is good for all Canadians and good for the Canadian economy. It's just one more example of the federal government's commitment to promote the fishing industry-a key economic sector for a number of regions. We are proud of this investment, which will foster employment opportunities that benefit local workers and support coastal communities across the country for years to come."

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

"Coastal communities benefit from the employment opportunities achieved through small craft harbour investment. Investments in harbour facilities across Quebec will ensure fish harvesters can operate safely and efficiently for years to come and will directly contribute to the Canadian economy."

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Gaspésie-Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada is investing $289 million this year in Canadian small craft harbours, including funding recently announced in Budget 2016.
• The mandate of the Small Craft Harbours Program is to keep harbours critical to the commercial fishing industry open and in good repair.
• Small craft harbours provide critical support to the commercial fishing industry, which contributed $6 billion to the Canadian economy in 2015.
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada supports more than 1000 harbours across Canada with more than 5000 volunteers from harbour authorities.
• Harbour restoration projects are undertaken in cooperation with the local Harbour Authorities that manage and operate facilities for local users.

Associated Links

For more information on Fisheries and Oceans Canada's Small Craft Harbours Program: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sch-ppb/home-accueil-eng.htm

The Government of Canada announces $289 million for harbour improvement projects across the country: http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?mthd=tp&crtr.page=1&nid=1069639&_ga=1.164336887.933588534.1454077674

Internet: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

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