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OTTAWA – The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Minister responsible for Prince Edward Island today announced on behalf of the Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, that the Government of Canada will provide funding of $2.3 million for improvements at ten fishing harbours in Prince Edward Island.
"Canada’s new government is well aware how vital these harbours are to the people and economy of Prince Edward Island," said Minister MacKay. "We are committed to supporting the communities and fishers whose work is so important to the prosperity of their province."
Prince Edward Island Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Jim Bagnall said he was pleased with the announcement and that he is looking forward to continuing to work with Minister Hearn on other areas within the fishery of importance to the Island. "This significant investment in the fishery by the federal government is welcome and we will look forward to continuing infrastructure improvements for the benefit of Island fishers."
Dredging projects will do a lot to improve accessibility and navigation at a number of Island harbours this year. Funding is being provided for dredging to clear sand infill from entrance channels or harbour basins at Miminegash, Skinners Pond, Seacow Pond, Tignish, Malpeque, Covehead and Naufrage. Also, the wharves at Sturgeon and Borden will be reinforced while North Lake will be the site of preparatory work for a wharf reconstruction project.
These projects will be implemented by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, as part of its Small Craft Harbours Program, in cooperation with the harbour authorities that manage and operate the facilities for local users. This close cooperation with clients allows the federal government to continue to provide an operable system of harbours and facilities throughout Canada in support of commercial fishers.
Details concerning these projects can be found on the
attached backgrounder.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
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Frédéric Butruille
Communications Manager, Corporate Services
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Moncton, New Brunswick
(506) 851-7218
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NR-HQ-06-20E |
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