Minister Shea and MP Keddy Announce Funding at Four Small Craft Harbours in Lunenburg County

CHERRY HILL, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwired - March 28, 2015) - The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, joined by Gerald Keddy, MP for South Shore - St. Margaret's, announced today that the Government of Canada will invest almost $3.5 million over the next two years in harbour improvement projects at four harbours in Nova Scotia. Projects being funded today will provide a safer and more efficient working environment for harbour users and local fishermen.

This investment will support the following harbour projects:

• Dublin Shore - construction of an extension to the existing breakwater;
• Little Harbour (Cherry Hill) - replacement of the existing deteriorated wharf with a new structure;
• Voglers Cove - replacement of the existing wharf with a new structure; and
• Blandford (Shoal Cove) - replacement of the existing deteriorated wharf with a new structure and installation of two floating wharves.

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

• Little Harbour and Voglers Cove make up the Harbour Authority of United Communities and are home ports to a fleet of approximately 26 vessels.
• The primary species landed at Little Harbour are lobster and halibut. Landings in 2013 represented an estimated value of over $300,000.
• Over the next two years, major improvement projects will take place at 48 fishing harbours in Nova Scotia.
• 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

"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

"Our Government believes in protecting the way of life of the hardworking communities of Lunenburg county. Since forming Government, we have invested over $1 billion in Small Craft Harbours. Our investments have created jobs in coastal communities and ensured an efficient, safe work environment for our fishermen. We will continue to stand up for the interests of our fishermen."

Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament for South Shore - St. Margaret's

"We welcome the federal investment in Little Harbour. We are pleased the government is investing in harbours infrastructure across the region. The investments will contribute significantly to our economy and our communities."

Mr. Roy Dagley, President, United Communities Harbour Authorities

Associated Links

Small Craft Harbours

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