These projects will improve safety and working conditions for fishermen while fostering job creation
STEVESTON, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - May 22, 2015) - The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, together with the Honourable Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Member of Parliament for Delta-Richmond East and Minister of National Revenue, announced today that the Government of Canada will invest more than $46 million over the next two years at 33 harbours in British Columbia to improve safety and working conditions for fishermen.
More than $14 million of this total investment will support improvement projects at the Steveston Harbour's Gulf and Paramount small craft harbour sites. Together, these two sites represent the largest and most active commercial fishing hub in British Columbia.
The following projects are being carried out:
Gulf
Paramount
The federal investment in BC harbours of more than $46 million mentioned above includes funding for previously announced projects at harbours in Kanaka Landing, Mission and Ladner. Projects being carried out in other communities across the province will be announced over the coming weeks.
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
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
"Here in Steveston, fishing is an important way of life for many. Our Government is committed to supporting infrastructure that our dedicated fishermen rely upon in order to provide for their families. We have and will continue to provide a safe working environment for the people of British Columbia."
The Honourable Kerry-Lynne Findlay
Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Delta-Richmond East
"The Steveston Harbour Authority appreciates the continuing commitment to British Columbia's small craft harbours announced today. The upcoming construction, replacements, repairs and dredging will help us continue to provide excellent facilities and services that support our fishing industry, which is showing signs of new life in a number of sectors. We are truly grateful and excited about today's announcement, which reinforces the importance of Steveston as a hub for British Columbia's commercial fishing.
Robert Kiesman
Chair, Steveston Harbour Authority
Associated Links
• Harper Government Invests $450,000 in Two British Columbia Harbours
• Harper Government Invests in Ladner Harbour
IF THERE IS A DISCREPANCY BETWEEN ANY PRINTED VERSION AND THE ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THIS NEWS RELEASE, THE ELECTRONIC VERSION WILL PREVAIL.
This news release is available online at: www.actionplan.gc.ca.
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