Harper Government Invests in North Lake Harbour

NORTH LAKE, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND--(Marketwired - July 19, 2015) - The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced today an investment to improve safety and working conditions for fishermen at North Lake harbour, Prince Edward Island.

This funding will be used to reconstruct two sections of the wharf that have deteriorated on the north side of the harbour. In addition, annual dredging of the harbour will be carried out, which will provide safe navigation for users. This work will allow the hardworking fishermen of North Lake to continue to efficiently and safely make a living for their families.

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

• North Lake Habour is home port to approximately 96 vessels with 60 transient vessels also making use of the facilities.
• Landings consist of lobster, herring, snow crab, mackerel, mussels and tuna. In 2013, landings represented an estimated value of more than $10.5 million.
• Over the past six years, the Government has invested a total of $4.7 million at this harbour.
• The Harper Government will invest approximately $18.8 million in PEI's small craft harbours over the next two years for projects at 23 harbours.
• The Government of Canada supports more than 1,000 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

"Our Government is proud to support our hard-working commercial fishermen by opening new markets for their world-class products and managing our resources in a sustainable way. Our unprecedented investments in our small craft harbours are just another example of our Government support. North Lake Harbour is an important facility for Eastern Prince Edward Island's fishermen. We are pleased to invest to improve their safety and working conditions."

The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

"We are very pleased with the investments announced by the Minister. These funds will allow us to reconstruct the damaged section of the wharf, ensuring the safe continuation and sustainability of fisheries in the community."

Glen Cameron, President of the North Lake Harbour Authority

Associated Links

Small Craft Harbours

Minister Shea Announces Major Improvements for Fishing Harbour at Milligan's Shore

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

Follow us on Twitter! www.Twitter.com/DFO_MPO