Harper Government Invests in Five Fathom Hole Harbour

FIVE FATHOM HOLE, NEW BRUNSWICK--(Marketwired - July 23, 2015) - Rodney Weston, Member of Parliament for Saint John, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced today an investment to improve safety and working conditions for fishermen at Five Fathom Hole harbour in New Brunswick.

The project involves the installation of new floating wharves which will provide additional berthing capacity for harbour users and enhance the overall operational efficiency of the harbour. As Five Fathom Hole harbour is a sheltered location, it is also used as a refuge for vessels from nearby Lorneville during inclement weather.

Since 2006, the Government of Canada has provided an unprecedented level of funding to support investments in public infrastructure across the country. Last fall, Prime Minister Harper announced an additional investment of $5.8 billion over the next two years to build and renew infrastructure across the country to support Canadian heritage, First Nations education, defence, borders, research, small craft harbours, transportation and search and rescue. As part of this funding, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard will receive a total of approximately $551 million. This includes $288 million for harbour improvements at small craft harbours.

Quick Facts

• Five Fathom Hole harbour is managed by the Harbour Authority of Lorneville and Five Fathom Hole.
• It is used by approximately 8 commercial fishing vessels.
• Lobster is the primary species landed at this harbour. In 2013, landings represented an estimated value of more than $500,000.
• More than $74 million is being invested in improvement projects at approximately 39 harbours in New Brunswick over the next two years.
• The Government of Canada supports more than 1000 small craft harbours across Canada. Harbour improvement projects are undertaken in cooperation with the local harbour authorities that manage and operate facilities for local users.
• Small craft harbours support the commercial fishing industry. Nearly 90 percent of all commercial fish harvesters in Canada use small craft harbour facilities, and their annual production represents approximately $1.6 billion.

Quotes

"For generations, hard-working Canadian men and women have made their livelihood from our waters. Without question, small craft harbours are the cornerstone of the commercial fishing industry. Today's announcement is part of our Government's ongoing commitment to support harbours, local economies and foster job creation."

The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

"The commercial fishing industry provides important employment in many of Canada's coastal and rural communities. Ensuring that small craft harbours are kept in good operating condition not only benefits those who use them, but also the communities where they are located."

Rodney Weston, Member of Parliament for Saint John

"We are pleased to receive funding for our new floating wharves at Five Fathom Hole. This will provide us with a much safer work environment and a more secure berthage for our vessels. We would also like to recognize our federal government's commitment to small craft harbours and owner operator fishers."

Jeff Maguire, Vice-President of the Harbour Authority of Lorneville and Five Fathom Hole

Associated Links

Small Craft Harbours

Harper Government Makes Multi-Year, Multi-Million Dollar Investment in Alma Harbour

Harper Government Announces Support for Small Craft Harbour Project in St. Martins

Harper Government Invests more than $36 Million in 14 New Brunswick Harbours

Harper government invests over $74 million in New Brunswick harbours

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This news release is available online at: www.actionplan.gc.ca.