Member of Parliament James Bezan Presents 2011 Small Craft Harbours Prix d'Excellence to the Little Grindstone Harbour Authority

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA--(Marketwire - April 19, 2012) -

Editors Note: There is a photo associated with this press release.

James Bezan, Member of Parliament for Selkirk-Interlake, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, last night presented the Little Grindstone Harbour Authority with a 2011 Small Craft Harbours Prix d'Excellence (http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sch-ppb/recognitionbrochure-reconnaissancebrochure-eng.htm).

"The Government of Canada is pleased to recognize members of the Little Grindstone Harbour Authority for their significant contributions to their harbour and community," said Mr. Bezan. "The members of this group are an excellent example of the many tireless volunteers who work so hard to manage fishing harbours across the country."

"Our Government is committed to keeping fishing harbours safe and accessible for the thousands of families whose livelihoods depend on them," said the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. "We have made the largest investments in small craft harbours in a generation, and we are working to ensure a sustainable future for Canada's commercial fishery."

The Little Grindstone Harbour Authority received the national award, under the category of "Harbour Authority Achievement," for its efforts to develop and improve the management of the fishing harbour. Improvements include floating docks to increase the berthage capacity, the purchase of a conveyor to help offload commercial fishing vessels, and the acquisition of a storage shed for safety and fire gear. The Harbour Authority also provided assistance to the Small Craft Harbours Program for a recent breakwater construction project.

Mr. Michael Eastman, President of the Little Grindstone Harbour Authority, accepted the Prix D'Excellence award on behalf of the Harbour Authority at a ceremony in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

"We have taken steps to improve facilities and better manage our harbour," said Mr. Eastman. "Little Grindstone harbour is growing and we are committed to meeting the needs of local commercial fishers and other harbour users."

The Prix d'Excellence is awarded annually to celebrate the exemplary contributions made by harbour authorities in meeting the objectives of the Small Craft Harbours Program. The award recognizes teams and individuals who have made significant contributions to their harbours and their communities.

For Broadcast:

Selkirk-Interlake Member of Parliament James Bezan today presented a 2011 Small Craft Harbours Prix d'Excellence to the Little Grindstone Harbour Authority. The Prix d'Excellence is awarded annually by Fisheries and Oceans Canada to celebrate the exemplary contributions made by harbour authorities in meeting the objectives of the Small Craft Harbours Program. It recognizes teams and individuals who have made significant contributions to their harbours and their communities.

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

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