NR-HQ-01-88E

Harbour Improvements in the Magdalen Islands

November 5, 2001

QUEBEC --Georges Farrah, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, and Member of Parliament for the constituency of Bonaventure – Gaspé – Îles-de-la-Madeleine – Pabok, announced today that a launching ramp will be constructed at Pointe-Basse in the Magdalen Islands at a cost of $400,000.This project is to be implemented in a highly innovative manner as it will be handled by the harbour authority at Pointe-Basse and Pointe-aux-Loups.The project is being carried out in order to modernize the Pointe-Basse fishing harbour infrastructure.

The project will extend over a two-year period, with preliminary work to begin this year in preparation for a call for tenders to be issued by the end of the winter of 2001.  Once the environmental approvals have been obtained, ramp construction will begin in such a way as to avoid disruptions to the spring operations of fishers using the Point-Basse harbour.

“This project is a clear demonstration of the commitment of Fisheries and Oceans Canada to the communities of the Magdalen Islands,” said Minister Dhaliwal.  “By enabling the harbour facilities to be better used, the project will automatically stimulate the local economy.”

Fisheries and Oceans Canada will provide support for the harbour authority throughout the duration of the project’s implementation.