Canada invests in New Brunswick fishing infrastructure. Dominic LeBlanc, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, on behalf of Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced that the Government of Canada is investing more than $8 million to help renew the harbour infrastructure throughout Southeast New Brunswick.
Small craft harbours are the heart of Canada’s coastal communities. With approximately 90% of that product landed at small craft harbours, this infrastructure is vital to Canada’s local and national economies. Through Budget 2021, the federal government is investing $300 million to repair, upgrade and build new small craft harbours across Canada.
A number of harbours have been identified for improvements:
- Removal of an old ramp, electrical upgrades and annual harbour entrance redredging at Les Aboiteaux (Cap-Pelé)
- Removal of an existing crib structure and upgrades to North-east breakwater at Petit-Cap (Cap-Pelé)
- Dredging of the harbour entrance and channel as well as the design and permits for containment cell and for a possible future basin dredging project at Bas-Cap-Pelé
- Maintenance dredging and upgrades to the electrical system at Chockpish
- Upgrades to the electrical system and annual redredging at Cap-Lumière
- Annual channel redredging at Cap-de-St-Louis
- Channel and basin dredging and harbour entrance redredging at St-Édouard-de-Kent
- Upgrades to the electrical system at Cape Tourmentine
- Construction of a new ramp at Botsford
- Replace the wall damaged by Hurrican Dorian and reconstruct an existing wharf at Barre-de-Cocagne (Cormierville)
- Emptying the containment cell at St-Thomas
Dominic LeBlanc said:
“The fishing industry is deeply ingrained in the landscape and the history of Southeast New Brunswick. When we invest in our local harbours, we invest in the people who work and live near them. These investments will ensure they remain in good shape for years to come.”
Bernadette Jordan, said:
“Small craft harbours are the heart of Canada’s coastal communities. They’re places of gathering, hubs of recreation and industry, and they’re essential to Canada’s growing blue economy. That’s why our government is investing $300 million to make our harbours greener, safer, and more efficient. We’ll always support the people of our fisheries, tourism sectors, and construction industries, and the coastal and rural communities that depend on Canada’s small craft harbours.”
Quick facts
- In Budget 2021-2022, the Government of Canada committed to investing an additional $300 million over two years for the renewal of Canada’s network of small craft harbours.
- Canada’s seafood sector employs over 45,000 Canadians and generates over seven billion dollars per year.
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) keeps harbours critical to the commercial fishing industry open and in good repair.
- DFO supports 973 harbours across Canada with more than 5000 volunteers from harbour authorities.
- Harbour restoration projects are undertaken in cooperation with the local harbour authorities that manage and operate facilities for local users.
- The Small Craft Harbour Program budget for 2021-2022 is approximately $90 million; of this amount, approximately $70 million will be directly invested in projects for repairs, maintenance, construction and dredging at harbours.
- Canada’s blue economy and its future growth depend on the sustainable use and management of our ocean resources. A Blue Economy Strategy will enable us to protect and revitalize the health of our oceans while taking advantage of emerging economic growth opportunities throughout ocean sectors.
- About Les Aboiteaux small craft harbour:
- Average landings at the harbour are approximately 400 metric tonnes, valued at approximately $3.2 million. Close to 30 commercial fishing vessels use this harbour. The main species landed is lobster.