MAGDALEN ISLANDS, QC,
Aug. 12,
2024 /CNW/ - Small craft harbours are at the heart of
many coastal communities, bringing people together for work and
leisure, while supporting jobs in the fish and seafood industry for
more than 45,000 Canadians.
As part of the Government of Canada's commitment to growing the economy,
the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the
Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, was in the Magdalen Islands,
Quebec, to announce significant
investments in the archipelago's fishing harbours.
Over the next three years, $41.8
million will be invested to ensure that the region's fish
harvesters and fishing industry have access to harbour
infrastructure that meets their needs and is safe.
A large part of this funding will be invested in several
infrastructures on the islands that were damaged by Hurricane Fiona
in September 2022. It will be used to
repair the main breakwater at the Étang-du-Nord wharf, rebuild
wharf 401 at Pointe-Basse and the Millerand fishing harbour,
upgrade the floating dock fastening system and, at the
Grande-Entrée harbour, add riprap to part of the commercial wharf
for protection, and install an unloading station.
In addition, this funding will be used to raise Coop wharf of
the Étang-du-Nord harbour, and to make it more resistant to climate
change. The complete list of investments can be found in this
backgrounder.
Budget 2024 will invest $463.3
million over three years, starting in 2024-2025, to repair
and maintain small craft harbours, including those damaged by
Hurricane Fiona. This funding is in addition to the $90-million annual budget that the Department has
committed for these harbours.
Fire at Grande-Entrée harbour
Following the fire involving five fishing vessels that caused
major damage to the Grande-Entrée wharf on June 30, 2024, the Minister has announced that
Fisheries and Oceans Canada will introduce temporary measures
for fishing season of 2025 to accommodate the needs of each fish
harvester. These measures, currently under review, will be
detailed soon.
Quote
"Small craft harbours are the backbone of our vibrant fishing
communities across the country, including here in the Magdalen
Islands. As the country with the longest coastline in the world, we
need to invest in resilient harbour infrastructure that can cope
with the climate challenges of today and tomorrow. It is not only a
question of economic development, but also of food security. With
Budget 2024, we are giving ourselves the means to achieve our
ambitions, by providing our fish harvesters with modern harbours,
where their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will
perpetuate our most beautiful maritime traditions."
The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries,
Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
Quick Facts
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada announces an investment of
$41,8 million in fishing harbours in
the Magdalen Islands.
- Following the fire at Grande-Entrée harbour, fish harvesters
will be able to rely on temporary facilities for the next fishing
season.
- The Government of Canada is
funding repairs or dredging works at several harbours across the
country to ensure they are in good condition to meet the needs of
fish harvesters and industry, as well as provide safe access to
waterways.
- The mandate of Fisheries and Oceans Canada's Small Craft
Harbours Program is to keep harbours vital to the commercial
fishery open and in good repair.
Associated Link
- Magdalen Islands small craft harbours, Budget 2024
- Small craft harbours
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SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada