NR-HQ-00-75E

BAKER ANNOUNCES A FEDERAL INVESTMENT OF $1,080,000 FOR PROJECTS AT SMALL CRAFT HARBOURS IN NEWFOUNDLAND

August 10, 2000

GANDER-GRAND FALLS – The Honourable George Baker, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Secretary of State for ACOA and Member of Parliament for the constituency of Gander-Grand Falls, announced today on behalf of the Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, that the Government of Canada will invest $1,080,000 in harbour improvements at the Leading Tickles and Little Burnt Bay fishing harbours in Newfoundland.

The wharves at these harbours, which were constructed of untreated native timber, have reached the end of their useful lives. Both structures will be demolished and replaced with new facilities constructed of treated timber with concrete decks. When completed, the wharves will provide the fishermen with safe operational and berthage areas.

"These projects underline the federal government’s commitment to maintain viable and safe harbours in support of Newfoundland's coastal communities," said Mr. Baker.

These projects will be undertaken by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Small Craft Harbours Branch, in collaboration with the Harbour Authorities that manage and operate facilities for the benefit of local users. It is this close cooperation which enables the federal government to continue to provide an operable system of harbours and facilities throughout Canada in support of commercial fishing and resident coastal communities.