Harper Government Invests $450,000 in Two British Columbia Harbours

MISSION HARBOUR, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - April 17, 2015) - Parliamentary Secretary Randy Kamp, Member of Parliament for Pitt Meadows - Maple Ridge - Mission, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced today that the Government of Canada will invest $450,000 this year in improvement projects at the small craft harbours in Mission and Kanaka Landing. This funding will provide a safer and more efficient working environment for local fishermen and harbour users.

This investment will support the reconstruction of the electrical systems at both harbours as well as the installation of the concrete breakwater float at the Mission Harbour.

Since 2006, the Government of Canada has provided an unprecedented level of funding to support investments in public infrastructure across the country. Last fall, Prime Minister Harper announced an additional investment of $5.8 billion over the next two years to build and renew infrastructure across the country to support Canadian heritage, First Nations education, defence, borders, research, small craft harbours, transportation and search and rescue. As part of this funding, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard will receive a total of approximately $551 million. This includes $288 million for harbour improvements at small craft harbours.

Quick Facts

• In addition to providing moorage for fishers who are mainly involved in commercial salmon fisheries, the harbours of Mission and Kanaka Landing also serve charter fishing and recreational fishing vessels.
• The Government of Canada supports more than 1000 small craft harbours across Canada. Harbour improvement projects are undertaken in cooperation with the local harbour authorities that manage and operate facilities for local users.
• Small craft harbours support the commercial fishing industry. Nearly 90 percent of all commercial fish harvesters in Canada use small craft harbour facilities, and their annual production represents approximately $1.6 billion.

Quotes

"For generations, hard-working Canadian men and women have made their livelihood from our waters. Without question, small craft harbours are the cornerstone of the commercial fishing industry. Today's announcement is part of our Government's ongoing commitment to support harbours, local economies and foster job creation."

The Honourable Gail Shea

Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

"Fishing is an important way of life for many residents of Mission and Maple Ridge. Our Government is committed to supporting infrastructure that our dedicated fishermen rely upon in order to provide for their families. We will continue to provide a safe working environment for the people of BC."

Parliamentary Secretary Randy Kamp

Member of Parliament for Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge-Mission

"We are thrilled about the improvements to Mission Harbour that the Government of Canada has announced today. The installation of the new concrete float will allow the Mission Harbour Authority to complete the replacement of an aged structure, and the electrical upgrades will benefit all of the fishermen and boaters who use our harbour."

Alec Finnsson

Chair of the Mission Harbour Authority

"The Kanaka Landing Harbour Authority thanks Parliamentary Secretary Kamp and the Government of Canada for their commitment to electrical improvements at our harbour. The upgrades will make a difference to the safety and efficiency of everyone who works around and enjoys the facilities of Kanaka Landing."

Len Carr

Chair of the Kanaka Landing Harbour Authority

Associated Links

- Small Craft Harbours

IF THERE IS A DISCREPANCY BETWEEN ANY PRINTED VERSION AND THE ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THIS NEWS RELEASE, THE ELECTRONIC VERSION WILL PREVAIL.

This news release is available online at: www.actionplan.gc.ca.